Youth Engagement Specialist

Texas-Family-Care-Network; Nacogdoches (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Family Care Network seeks a Youth Engagement Specialist to coordinate Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services, working between program staff and contractors to identify resources for PAL youth and provide follow-up support to emancipated youth.

The role includes outreach to staff, caregivers and community groups, maintaining case documentation, monitoring PAL contract delivery, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or better in Human Services or related field.
• Two years of relevant experience in child welfare recommended.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance; state clearances required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate between program staff and contractors to support Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services.
• Develop resources for PAL youth and provide follow-up services to emancipated youth.
• Monitor PAL contract service delivery and coordinate needs with contract management staff.
• Provide consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.
• Maintain complete case documentation for PAL cases with timely deadlines.
• Promote cultural diversity and maintain relationships with clients, contractors and community.
• Assist case managers in case planning activities related to youths’ transitional living needs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

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.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensures children in care are receiving counseling and guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care.
• 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.
• Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.
• 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. Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing task and the ability to work flexible hours.
• Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.
• Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, staff and community.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Talks frankly and objectively with youth about matters they may consider personal and private.
• Ensures/Coordinates youth in care have taken the Casey Life Skills Assessment.
• 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.
• Complete Tuition and Fee Waiver Forms for youth.
• 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.
• Assist case managers in case planning activities as it pertains to:
  • identifying the youth’s transitional living needs and services to meet those needs,
  • participating in individual case reviews with case managers; and
  • participate 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
• Review data warehouse reports monthly.

Essential Qualifications

• Credentials/Licensure: Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Clearances: State Police, FBI, and Child Abuse Clearances; CPSL Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training per state regulation.

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Requires vision, speech, and hearing and a moderate to high level of physical activity including; sitting, standing, walking lifting and carrying as required. Must be able to meet the demands and complete Crisis Intervention & Prevention (CIP).
• Working Hours: Flexible non-traditional office hours; variable schedule based on program need.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Human Services or related field.

Experience

Required

Two 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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