Who we are

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families.

Working At NYAP

· NYAP's commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families is a core value and one that we look for in our newest team members.

· 22 Days Off Each Year! Plus 11 Paid Holidays Per Year!

· Medical, Dental, and Vision

· Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (reduced work schedule), and Work Anniversary Trips!

Position Summary 

Provide training and certification for agency families. This person will support, coach, and develop approved and potential resource families to ensure quality services for the children in Foster Care and build positive permanent connections.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Performs all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s Mission, Values and Philosophies

• Develop, plan and implement the pre-service training curriculum for foster families consistent with regulations for accreditation and licensing.
• Conduct trainings with a variety of approaches/delivery mechanisms to meet the needs of the audience ensuring alignment with adult learning principles.
• Facilitate in-service training for foster families to ensure families receives training hours consistent with agency guidelines.
• Conduct CPR/First Aid training and ensure all approved families maintain certification.
• Maintain records of approved and waiting foster families that are consistent with licensing and accreditation standards.

• Lead the development and implementation of an on-going retention plan for foster families.
• Facilitate communication and information during referral and intake process to assist with the matching of children and families.
• Participate in the CQI process and represent the regional center on committees as requested.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with the external professional community, referral networks, and other programs/services by representing the agency in a positive and professional manner to market and or sustain services.
• Provide on-going support and interventions to foster parents, guiding and encouraging them as they care for clients in their home.

• On an as-needed basis, provide comprehensive social work and case management services for children and families consistent with NYAP’s wraparound philosophy, practice principles, professional ethics, and agency and licensing standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, human services or a related field. Master’s degree preferred 
• A valid professional license as required and acceptable by state or contract regulations 

• Understanding of foster care and adult learning principals preferred.
• Evenings and weekends required 
• Three years’ experience in the human services field. 
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, internet search, people management programs, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. 
• Must demonstrate a sincere commitment to the service and advocacy for youth and families.
•  Bilingual English/Spanish fluency
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance and a good driving record.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

 OTHER SKILLS 

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different racial, cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Capacity to be flexible and responsive to youth served, foster caregivers, system partners, and internal customers. 
• Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others. 
• Must be comfortable with public speaking. 

 The qualified candidate will follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds. 

 This job description is not an all-inclusive list of duties but rather a reflection of typical work performed in that position. 

COVID-19 Considerations:

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, NYAP Immunization Policy and Procedures requires all employees, contractors, interns and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except to the extent an individual is eligible for an exemption or the policy and procedure is not applicable by law. The State of IL has a separate mandate. For more information contact Human Resources at614-487-3888.

Our organization was established in Ohio and is now in 10 states. We continue to expand and develop new and innovative programs for our communities and families. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes major medical, dental, vision, 401K, student loan assistance and generous paid time off. If YOU can envision it; WE can DO it! The possibilities are endless!

The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds.

This job description is not an all-inclusive list of duties but rather a reflection of typical work performed in that position.

If this is you visit us at www.nyap.org/employment/