Community Connections YouThrive Specialist

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS YOUTHRIVE SPECIALIST

Job Category: Children & Youth Programs

Job Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Reports to: Program Manager 

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: The Community Connections YouThrive (CCYT) Specialist provides one-on-one services in the community to young adults, ages 17-26, who are currently or formerly in the foster care system. CCYT Specialists assist young adults in determining goals for a successful transition from foster care to independent adulthood.  Specialists then support young adults in reaching their goals via guidance and connections to community resources. 

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, action plans, 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 FAC’s 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.  

Collect information from caregivers and case managers to expand the client’s 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.  

Travel required for visits and meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation. 

Qualifications & Preferred Skills 

Childhood/adolescent experiences in any of the following: foster care, informal kinship care, homelessness, and/or mandatory family-centered systems of care services in the home.  

Bachelor's degree in social work or in related human services field (preferred). 

Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies. 

Outstanding organizational and planning skills.  

Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families. 

Collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.  

Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated capability to write clearly.  

Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Quickly establish rapport and build trust.  

Flexible self-starter; multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.  

Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics.  

Model ethical and professional behavior at all times. 

Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions. 

Flexibility and adaptability, shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.   

Flexibility in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.  

Must have reliable transportation. 

Compensation & Benefits  

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: _______________________