TRANSITION SPECIALIST

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Run monthly workshops that cover key areas where youth need to develop life skill competencies as per ACS requirements.

Ensure connections to community resources.

Assist youths with completing housing applications as appropriate (NYCHA, Emergency Housing Vouchers, etc.).

Obtain all vital documents for all youths on caseload, well before discharge.

Provide supportive care for youths who leave placement before age 21, as per ACS regulations.

Document all contact in Connections within the timeframe required.

Complete PYA checklist using ACS web-based PAT tool.

Attend team house meetings and conferences as necessary.

Obtain and place in paid and unpaid internships depending on skill level. Assist with placement through SYEP annually.

Work collaboratively with caseworkers and all team members to ensure youths are setting goals and working towards achievement.

Ensure monthly maintenance of tracking grids and timely submission to Support Specialist and Program Director.

Reconcile monthly expenses in a timely manner.

Travelling is required as youths are housed in several locations in Queens and one in Brooklyn.

All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience required:

Minimum of two years’ experience working with young adults.  Working with developmentally disabled youth and knowledge of Motivational Interviewing a plus. 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred.

Special Skills:

Familiarity with the community to which assigned and knowledgeable about the major culture groups within the neighborhoods served.  The following qualifications are desirable: residence in the community in which the position is located; from the culture and ability to speak the language of the major groups served in the community; previous work or connection with the developmentally disabled population.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

Externally:  interacts with community service providers to obtain and monitor delivery of services

Internally:  interfaces with agency business support, maintenance services and quality improvement staff as well as other PYA staff.

In addition, employees need to possess the following characteristics:

·       Be team players.

·       Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.

·       Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

·       Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of practitioner and to intervene appropriately.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typically, a 9am - 5 pm position but applicant should be flexible as workshop may need to happen outside of these hours to accommodate youths’ schedules.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Responsible for meeting the stated requirements of the position.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Works within the structure of the PYA program as it relates to the overall agency organization.