Youth & Family Specialist

•   Create a trusting and safe relationship with the client and encourages personal growth of the client

•  Advocate for the youth’s needs to ensure equitable and quality care

•   Provide clinical case management working in multiple systems and settings providing services to foster children, foster families and biological families

•   Depending on level of training, provides group and/or individual counseling and coaching services, mediation and guidance to children and their biological and/or foster families.

•  Facilitates supervised family visits,  and provides parent coaching as appropriate

•   Consistently demonstrate discretion and independent  judgment with regard to assessing and making decisions around the best interest for children and families

•   Undertake the responsibility of “on-call” duty as assigned and is responsive to crises independently either by phone and\or in person, demonstrating a calm and professional approach while assuring safety for all involved.

•   Facilitate treatment meetings/ foster care review, and invites the appropriate attendees, while ensuring effective interagency collaboration

•  Coordinate dental, medical, psychological and community support for youth

•   Attend all meetings called by collaterals and support a team approach to best serve the needs of children, youth and families

 •   Support and participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans for program-specific foster care recruitment in conjunction with foster care recruitment across the Children and Families Service.

•   Recruit qualified foster homes on a continuous basis to meet the growing and challenging needs of clients

•  Support foster families through the recruitment and training process.

•  Participate in “matching process” and prepares foster parents for their work with

the child/youth and family of origin

•   Promote the program through community networking and positive representation to internal and external committees, government entities, etc.

•   Maintain an excellent relationship with state or private funding sources and other state authorities responsible for regulating foster homes or child placing agencies

•   Develop and maintain expertise regarding regulatory requirements for foster parent qualification and renewal including record checks, evaluations and updating of file materials

•   Complete all documentation required by state licensing regulations in a timely manner, including but not limited to home studies, background checks , annual foster care review and waivers

•   Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein to help meet the goals of the program or the agency

•  Document all contacts and incidents and ensure files are up to date

•   Develop and complete assessments/homestudies, service plans\tx plans, progress notes and any other necessary documentation

•   Provide updates to the court both in writing and in person

•   Maintain organized up to date case/foster care files in accordance with contractual standards, state and federal law

•   Keep supervisor updated on any incidents or concerns involving clients and foster families

•  Attend weekly staff meetings and any other meetings or events required by the Agency

Here’s what we’re looking for:

•   MA - Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field 

•   NH  - Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field 

• Bilingual Preferred
•   Ability to work within the Mission of the agency.

•   Significant experience working with children with social/emotional/physical problems desirable. Mediation and conflict resolution skills helpful.

•  Word processing/computer skills preferred.

• Open to new ideas and desire to grow professionally.  Flexibility in thinking and scheduling.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

• Ability to utilize independent sound clinical judgement and decision making with regards to best interest of children and families

•  Ability to work flexible hours and be available to meet for emergency situations.

•   Ability to effectively manage client behavior, foster independence, and maintain perspective and a sense of humor.

•  Ability to handle people and situations with compassion, diplomacy, and tact.

•   Ability to work independently by setting priorities; organizing resources and effectively performing tasks in a timely manner.

•   Ability to provide documentation such as valid driver's license, evidence of automobile insurance and a clear criminal record check.

•   Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and to problem solve unexpected/unpredictable circumstances calmly.

•  Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, protocols and/or procedures.

•  Computer skills required.

•  Ability to travel to meet client needs

•  Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

•   Ability to use independent judgment and discretion; investigate, analyze and draw professional conclusions.

 When you join Ascentria, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re stepping into a role that empowers you to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.