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What does a Youth Advocate do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A youth advocate is someone who helps young people navigate the foster care system, connect with resources, and find permanent homes.

Youth Advocate job duties include:

  • Establish and maintain relationships with key personnel in order to ensure communication and collaboration between agencies
  • Attend case review meetings and provide input on cases
  • Advocate for individualized services for youth and families involved in the child welfare system
  • Educate youth and families about their rights within the child welfare system
  • Assist youth in navigating the child welfare system
  • Connect youth and families to community resources
  • Attend court hearings and provide support to youth and families
  • Monitor service delivery to ensure that youth are receiving appropriate services
  • Write reports documenting advocacy efforts on behalf of youth

Youth Advocate Job Requirements

There are many different types of youth advocates, but most have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Some advocates may also have a law degree or be certified as a social worker. Many advocates have several years of experience working with youth in various settings, such as schools, community organizations, or foster care.

Youth Advocate Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Organizational
  • Time Management
  • Writing
  • Public Speaking
  • Research
  • Networking
  • Fundraising

Related: Top Youth Advocate Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Youth Advocate

A youth advocate is someone who works on behalf of young people, usually in the social services field. Advocates work to ensure that young people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. They may also work to raise awareness about issues that affect young people, such as poverty, homelessness, and discrimination.

If you’re interested in becoming a youth advocate, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, consider pursuing a degree in social work or a related field. This will give you the knowledge and skills you need to effectively help young people. You can also volunteer with organizations that serve youth, such as after-school programs or shelters. This will give you firsthand experience working with young people and help you learn more about the issues they face.

Once you have some experience under your belt, start networking with other professionals in the field. Attend conferences and workshops, and join professional organizations. These connections will help you stay up-to-date on trends and developments in the field of youth advocacy. Finally, don’t forget to stay passionate about your work—advocating for youth can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Related: Youth Advocate Resume Example

Related: Youth Advocate Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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