Family Search and Engagement Specialist

Youth Villages; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug & 6

Vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Mileage & cell phone reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement & licensure

Job summary

Youth Villages seeks a Family Search and Engagement Specialist to identify youth needing family finding and to gather materials for strong assessments. You will reach out to relatives and kin networks to determine interest and connect youth with supportive resources.

Engagement with case workers, schools, and mental health providers will be essential to support youth identity, living arrangements, and preventing re-entry into the foster care system.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in social services required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain flexibility.
• Basic computer knowledge and proficiency with standard software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct viable family searches and administer family assessments.
• Contact biological relatives or kinship networks for engagement.
• Collaborate with case workers and educators to gather information.
• Build relationships with community stakeholders to support youth.
• Maintain contact with referral sources and monitor family stability post-discharge.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Multitasking

Flexibility

Introductory computer skills

Education

Master’s degree in social services

Bachelor's degree in social services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management software

Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.orgPosition Overview:The Family Search and Engagement Specialist engages social services agencies to identify youth where family finding is needed and gathers materials for a strong assessment of the family and community. Once connections are found, the Specialist contacts them to determine interest and appropriateness for connecting with the child and serving as a resource or support. The Specialist then works to support youth in developing meaningful connections, strengthening their sense of identity, and assessing the living arrangements to be safe and preventing re-entry into the foster care system.Additionally, the Family Search and Engagement Specialist will have responsibilities related to engaging community stakeholders to establish high levels of communication and collaboration.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:The Family Search and Engagement Specialist:Conducts viable family searches and administers family assessmentsContacts any biological relatives or other adult kinship or fictive kinMeets with case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and familiesContacts previous or current mental health and/or physical health providers to gather pertinent information about the youth and family that is vital to comprehensive careContacts previous or current educational institutionsMeets regularly with agency leadershipEffectively manages and navigates family search enginesImplements indicated assessment toolsBuilds positive relationships with key community stakeholders by pursuing case referrals through family finding workEstablishes relationships with key community providers including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, school groups, community groups, juvenile court personnel, human services workers, and social workersResponds to customer service needs and monitors customer satisfactionMaintains ongoing contact with key referral sourcesCompletes 3-month post discharge calls to families to assess the youth’s stability in the communityPerforms other duties as assignedAdditional Information:Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.Qualifications:Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred)Bachelor's degree in social services field (required)Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)Strong organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent written, verbal, and oral skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyBasic computer knowledgeAbility to maintain a flexible scheduleYouth Villages BenefitsMedical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision401(k)Time off:2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)12 paid sick days per year11 paid holidaysPaid Parental LeaveMileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervisionGrowth & development through continuous trainingClinical and administrative advancement opportunities*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.