Job Description:
Job Title: Youth Specialist
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary: Preferred Family Healthcare seeks a compassionate and dedicated Youth Specialist to join our team in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In this rewarding role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of current and former foster youth by providing personalized services and financial assistance to support their transition to independence and self-sufficiency.
As a Youth Specialist, you will conduct instructional and support activities tailored to each youth's individualized plan goals. Your expertise and guidance will empower these young individuals to develop essential skills and resources necessary for achieving success in areas such as education, vocational training, independent living, financial management, social connectedness, and healthcare.
Cape Girardeau offers a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions, and a thriving economy. With its low cost of living, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and commitment to sustainable growth, the city provides an attractive environment for both professional and personal fulfillment.
The Youth Specialist position offers...

• All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package - A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, and more
• Telemedicine - 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visits
• Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Paid Time Off - 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay
• Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personalized services and financial assistance to current and former foster youth
• Conduct instructional and support activities aligned with each youth's individualized plan goals
• Facilitate skill development in areas such as education, vocational training, independent living, financial management, social connectedness, and healthcare
• Collaborate with Family Support Teams to create and update service plans using SNAP principles
• Assist youth in identifying and addressing obstacles to achieving independence and self-sufficiency
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of available community resources beneficial for youth
• Facilitate mentoring opportunities and assist youth in building permanent connections within their community
• Provide financial information training and support, including budgeting, credit management, and bill paying
• Complete all required data entry, reporting, and documentation within specified databases and systems
• Serve as an advocate for youth with their Family Support Team, community, employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate required; associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred
• Experience in foster care, education, employment services, case management, social services, or other applicable vocation is preferred
• Strong customer service skills, skilled computer knowledge (Word, Excel, internet platforms, other electronic media), and effective communication abilities (verbal and written)
• Understanding of supporting youth with barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living

Additional Qualifications:

• Current driver's license and current auto insurance required
• Ability to maintain flexibility in work availability, including evenings and weekends as necessary
• Commitment to treating all youth, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect
• Adherence to all confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards during provision of services

Keywords: Youth Specialist, Foster Care, Independent Living, Transition Services, Case Management, Social Services, Community Resources, Mentorship, Financial Literacy
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.
Preferred Family Healthcare is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.