Community Connections YouThrive Specialist

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS YOUTHRIVESPECIALIST

Job Category:Children &Youth Programs

Job Status:Part-time, non-exempt

Reports to:ProgramManager

Job Summary:TheCommunity ConnectionsYouThrive(CCYT)Specialistprovidesone-on-one servicesin the communityto young adults, ages 17-26,whoare currently or formerlyin the foster care system.CCYT Specialistsassistyoung adultsindetermininggoals forasuccessfultransition from foster care to independent adulthood.Specialists then support young adults in reaching their goals via guidance and connections to community resources.CCYT is a peer-to-peermodelandas such, staff must have personally experienced any of the following during their childhood/adolescence: foster care, kinship or relative care, homelessness, or mandated family-centered services.This livedexpertisehelps Specialists to build trust, credibility, and meaningful connections with the youth we serve.

Responsibilities:Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Receive and managereferrals from leadership, deliveringtimelyassistanceto supportclientswithin program guidelines.
  

• Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously whilemaintainingfrequent, open communication with direct supervisorregardingservices delivered, concerns or questions.

• Utilize trauma-informedpractices to supportand equip youth for adulthood.

• Assistyouth in buildingcompetenciesregardingcritical life domains such as housing, education, transportation, employment, health, identity, social connections, and finances via a relational, strengths-based approach.
  

• Connect youth with community support services to improve their access to various resources includingbasic needsassistance,bill payment support, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships,and other supportive programs.

• Consistently andproactively communicatewith clients and conductbi-weeklymeetingsin accordancewithprogramguidelines tomonitorprogress towardgoal completion.

• Scheduleclientvisits,complete assessments, andcreateActionPlans,inpartnershipwith theyouthwhile ensuring compliance with program guidelines.

• Collectinformation from caregivers and case managers to expandtheclients support system and family connections.

• Collect and record all datato complete andmaintainup-to-date documentation of clientswithin program guidelines in FAC client database.

• Provide transportation as needed toassistclient(s) in achieving identified goals.

• Provide driving lessons toclient(s) as requested or needed.

• Develop andmaintainrelationships with keystakeholdersand community partners to create strong partnerships to enable a continual flow of regularly received referrals. Participate in outreach efforts as assigned.Attend community meetings as needed.Participate as an active team member with all agency departments and attend meetings as assigned.

• Participate inongoing meetings/professional memberships andtrainingsas required by the Program Manager.
  

• Activelycontribute both independently and as part of a team;participatein team meetings and collaborate with colleagues acrossdepartments.
  

RequiredQualifications

• Personal lived experienceduring childhood or adolescencein any of the following: foster care, informal kinship care, homelessness, and/or mandatory family-centeredsystems of careservices in the home.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Reliable transportation and ability totransport youth if needed.

• Experience working with marginalized communities with an understanding of the barriers thatimpactunderserved communities. Quicklyestablishrapport and build trust.

• Adaptable and proactive self-starter who effectively multitasks whilemaintainingstrong attention to detail and organization to meet allobjectivesand deadlines.

• Collaborate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams anddemonstratestrong interpersonal skills by adjusting communication approaches to effectively engage clients, families, and colleagues.

• Proven ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively for a variety of audiences.

• Follow confidentiality guidelines andappropriate handlingof sensitive information.

• Model ethical and professional behaviors at all times.

• Maintain flexibility in workschedule, including availability for evenings and weekends as needed.

• Travel required within surrounding counties with or without accommodation.

PreferredExperience

• Bachelors Degree in social workor in a related human services field.

• Experience working directly with youth aging out of foster care.

• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.

• Experienceincompleting detailed andtimelycase documentation and data entry.

Compensation &Benefits

• Hourly rate $21.50/hour; compensationcommensuratewith experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Paidtime off after90 days.

FosterAdoptConnect does not and shall not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.

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