TITLE: Bridges Liaison

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Bridges Supervisor

ROLE:Bridges Liaison is responsible to develop and monitor a plan (housing, employment, education, mentoring) for young adults aging out of foster care at age 18 until they turn 21. This voluntary statewide program called Bridges is designed and funded through ODJFS and administered through Child & Family Health Collaborative of Ohio. The Bridges Liaison will serve as the primary support and contact for Bridges participants.

DUTIES:

• Facilitate eligibility and enrollment into Bridges program
• Collaboratively develop a detailed housing plan based on individual’s needs
• Work directly and build rapport with young adults on case management needs and conduct a minimum of one face to face visit at their residence every 30 days with additional calls and check-ins.
• Review Bridges plan with young adult every 90 days to acknowledge achievements and plan next steps
• Be available and responsive to emergency and crisis situations
• Perform onsite home evaluations and Bridges assessments
• Assist young adults in post-secondary school enrollment, vocational program enrollment or securing employment and support young adults to maintain eligibility if their personal circumstances change
• Assist young adults to maintain eligibility documents are maintained in the system—ensuring eligibility for IV-E payments
• Assist with developing a monthly budget and request maintenance stipends as needed
• Appear in court with participants
• Assist with the completion of the tier identification and updates every 90 days
• Maintain case documentation and activity notes in SACWIS within 5 calendar days
• Provide referrals to needed services including health, mental health, education, vocational training and serve as an advocate as needed for self-sufficiency.
• Assist young adults to identify individuals and resources that can be permanent connections for them after Bridges program completion
• Support young adult participation in focus groups
• Attend and utilize supervision, carrying out all directives
• Attend regional information sessions with stakeholder and Collaborative members
• Complete required trainings (SACWIS, OCWTP)
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement and BCAT audit corrections.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and a desire to serve young adults, understanding of the child welfare system, LGBTQ identities, parenting young adults, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Basic knowledge of child development, the impact of trauma, and independent living skills

Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare and mental health

Strong computer skills and ability to multitask

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to educate others about the needs of former foster youth and advocate for their needs

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors degree required in social work or related field.

Two years’ experience working with children, teens or young adults

Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and ability to drive /travel throughout the state

Pass a BCI/FBI background check and drug/alcohol screening

Ability to work non-typical hours as needed (evening and weekends)

WORK CONDITIONS: This position requires extensive traveling throughout Northeast Ohio and some non-typical working hours.

NOAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Case Management: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person