Community Connections YouThrive Specialist
1 month ago
Wichita
Job DescriptionSalary: $45,000/year COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS YOUTHRIVESPECIALIST Job Category:Children &Youth Programs Job Status:Full-time, non-exempt Reports to:ProgramManager About FosterAdopt Connect: FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive, diverse and inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time. 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 adultsin determininggoals 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-peer model andas 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 lived expertise helps Specialists to build trust, credibility, and meaningful connections with the youth we serve. Responsibilities:Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Help youth grow in competencies regarding critical life domains such as housing, education, transportation, employment, health, identity, social connections, and finances via a relational, strengths-based approach., • Complete assessments,enrollments, actionplans, and any other documentation requirements in a timely manner and within stated guidelines., • Follow requirements and policies of agency, contracts, state regulations and Council on Accreditation standards., • Utilize trauma-informed care knowledge and practice to support and equip youth for adulthood., • Consistently and proactively, communicate with clients, including bi-weekly meetings, to track progress towards goal completion., • Provide transportation as needed to assist client(s) in achieving identified goals., • Provide driving lessons to client(s) as requested or needed., • Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress in FACs internal document management system. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of contact., • Encourage youth to participate in our program and assess their strengths, needs, existing supports, and motivation to work on goals for their future., • Collectinformation from caregivers and case managers to expandtheclients support system and family connections, • Provide advocacy and support for all clients., • Develop relationships with key community partners and service providers., • Responsible for making community connections to increase program referrals as assigned (i.e., distributing program brochures, scheduling informational meetings, contacting media outlets, speaking at community presentations, attending booth exhibits, etc.)., • Participate as an active team member with all agency departments and attend meetings as assigned., • Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions., • Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Vice President of Children &Youth Programs and Chief Operations Officer., • Personal lived experienceduring childhood or adolescencein any of the following: foster care, informal kinship care, homelessness, and/or mandatory family-centered systems of care services in the home., • High school diploma or equivalent, • Reliable transportation and ability totransport youth if needed., • Strong organizational and time-management skills., • Clear verbal and written communication skills., • Strong interpersonal skills, especially in rapport building and collaboration., • Commitment to modelingethical and professional behavior at all times., • Respect for confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information., • Flexibilityand adaptability, adjusting their approach and communicationstyleto meet the needs of youth, families, and other partners in this workwith a variety of cultures and backgrounds., • Self-directed and dependable in independently managing a community-based caseload. PreferredExperience • Bachelors Degree in social work or 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., • Compensation commensurate with experience., • Comprehensive benefits package including:, • Highly-competitive health plan., • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution., • Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee., • Voluntary life and short-term disability options available., • 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match., • Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options., • Employee Assistance Program., • Generous paid time off and holidays. FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, 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. Employee Name Printed:_____________________________ Employee Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________________