Youth Specialist

Description

Job Summary: The full-time Youth Specialist provides case management, support, and resources for current foster youth, ages 17-21, as they transition from foster care to independence as adults in the Kansas City, Kansas area.

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. This progressive organization is equipped to connect children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for a brighter, successful future for foster and adoptive children. Be part of a diverse, inclusive, exciting team! Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one family at a time!

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Follow requirements and policies of the agency, contracts, state regulations, and Council on Accreditation standards. 
• 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,
• Utilize trauma-informed care knowledge and practice to support and equip youth and volunteers.
• Recruit youth to participate in our program and assess their strengths, needs, existing supports, and motivation to work on goals for their future. 
• Recruit and train volunteers who will help support the youth in our program. Background checks and individual assessments are also completed for each volunteer. 
• Work collaboratively with the volunteers to empower and equip youth to reach their goals.
• Developing relationships with key community partners and service providers. 
• Organizing and facilitating training for youth and volunteers.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress, meetings, and other case notes in FAC’s internal document management system. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of contact.
• Provide monthly narrative progress reports to case managers of youth in foster care. 
• 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. 
• Provide transportation as needed to assist youth in achieving identified goals.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must pass necessary background checks.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Degree in social services, human services, or related field preferred.
• Prior experience with youth in foster care or other at-risk youth populations is preferred.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in people and systems. 
• Outstanding organizational and planning skills. 
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families.
• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively. 
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust. 
• Self-starter; able to work with autonomy 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, as well as the ability to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations. 
• Ability to be flexible in work hours, including possible evening and weekend appointments.
• Must have the ability to drive to visits and meetings, as well as the ability to transport youth and young adults when needed. This includes possession of a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and auto insurance. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.
• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.
• 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, with 8 annual visits 100% covered.
• Education Tuition Assistance available.
• 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.