Youth Engagement Specialist (Dallas)

Position Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist will serve as the Preparation for Adult Living Coordinator and is responsible for providing coordination between program staff and contractors; identifying and developing resources for Preparation for Adult Living youth; providing follow-up services to emancipated youth; providing consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups and for monitoring Preparation for Adult Living Contract service delivery and coordinating contract management staff. The position interacts routinely with staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.  

Responsibilities

1. Support/Service Delivery
   1. Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.  
   2. Review data warehouse reports monthly. 
   3. Participates in the on-call rotation and duties. 
   4. Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings.   
   5. Participates in child pending placement shifts as needed.  
   6. Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.  
   7. Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them. 
   8. Ensures children in care are receiving guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care.   
   9. Talks frankly and objectively with youth about matters they may consider personal and private. 
   10. Ensures/Coordinates youth in care have taken the Casey Life Skills Assessment.  
   11. Ensures PAL Life Skills training is provided for each youth in conservatorship care who is age 16 years or older. Observes at least one core element per trainer per year for quality of services provided.  
   12. Assist case managers in case planning activities as it pertains to:  
       1. Identifying the youth’s transitional living needs and services to meet those needs;
       2. Participating in individual case reviews with case managers;  
       3. Participates in permanency conferences such as a Circle of Support for youth ages 16 and older to help youth with the development of their Child’s Plan of Service.
   13. Provide the employment preference form letter to qualifying youth when they are 18 years or when requested. Provide youth still in foster care with information about employment preference.  
   14. Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours
   15. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or director to maintain unit operations. 

1. Communication
   1. Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, staff and community.  
2. Growth
   1. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth.  
3. Supervision
   1. Receive supervision.
      1. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
4. Leadership
   1. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.  
5. Community Engagement
   1. Coordinates, attend, participate and assists in planning statewide and regional teen conferences as well as Peaks Camp, Youth Leadership Council Meetings and College Conferences/Tours. 
6. Documentation
   1. Documents case records in accordance with policy. 
   2. Maintains sufficient case documentation including forms and narratives to provide a complete and accurate written record in assigned Preparation for Adult Living only cases for each youth receiving Preparation for Adult Living services.  
   3. Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.). 
   4. Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems.  
7. Financial/Budget
   1. Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation.  
   2. Adheres to deadlines for expense reports.       
8. Risk Management and Safety
   1. Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established within the organization.
   2. Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed.  
   3. Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws.  
   4. Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation.  
   5. Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date.  
   6. Attends and participates in all required trainings.  

Qualifications 

1. Education/Credentials/Licensure:  
   1. Bachelor’s or better in Human Services or related field; or accredited Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience; or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant work experience. 
   2. Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record. 
   3. Reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
2. Experience: 
   1. Requires two (2) years of relevant experience in child welfare including knowledge of issues surrounding foster care, adoption, trauma, medical and developmental needs, and the importance of legal permanency are recommended as well as familiarity with state child welfare rules and procedures and the juvenile and/or probate court systems.    
3. Clearances:
   1. DPS
   2. DFPS 
   3. FBI 
   4. CBCU Eligibility Determination
   5. Child Abuse Clearance

Working Conditions 

1. Physical Demands 
   1. This position requires operating a keypad device 75% of the day and electronic/office equipment 25% of the day.  Frequent travel in and out of the state of Texas may be required daily along with travel by plane and may include travel in weather conditions - 80%. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts under 25 pounds. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.    
2. Mental Demands 
   1. Occasionally makes quick decisions, handles a diversity of problems, performs multiple tasks, and handles distractions that interfere.
   2. Continually need to concentrate. 
3. Environmental Factors 
   1. Environmental factors require this position in school, home, community, residence, office, and in-home. 
4. Working Hours 
   1. This position works a non-traditional schedule that can vary based on client and department needs.   
   2. Participates in the on-call rotation.