Bridges Program Liaison

Bridges Program Liaison

Sojourners Care Network, a nonprofit organization rooted in Appalachian Ohio, empowers young people to become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens now and in the future.

We are seeking a dedicated self-starter as a Bridges Program Liaison for Sojourners’ Family Support Team.

Type of Position: Full-time, salaried. 40 hours per week. Sojourners Manager-level position: Salary $36,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on education, experience, and any relevant credentials. Eligible for full benefits, including life insurance, employee health reimbursement account, and optional medical, vision, and dental insurance. This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Location: Based at Sojourners Family Center, 31860 Claypool Hollow Rd., McArthur, OH. Work-related travel throughout southern and central Ohio is required.

General Purpose: Bridges is a voluntary program available to young adults who leave foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19, or 20 and who are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working. The program provides guidance and support as they transition to adulthood.

Sojourners’ Bridges program provides direct services for 30-40 young adults each month, ensuring they have safe, secure housing, consistent case management, and opportunities to learn independent living skills that will lead to long-term stability in their lives. These services are provided by trained Bridges Liaisons who meet regularly with each participant.

The Bridges Program Liaison is responsible for providing support services to youth enrolled in the Bridges Program and the timely documentation of all services provided.

Work Hours: The typical hours for this position are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; however, some weekend and evening hours will be required.

Supervision: The Bridges Program Liaison is directly supervised by Sojourners’ Bridges Program Director.

Job Duties:

• Facilitate program referrals, eligibility, and enrollment for qualifying young adults with housing and case management needs in a timely manner.
• Build rapport with Bridges participants. recognizing and respecting their role and personal responsibility as young adults; provide support using a client-centered approach.
• Conduct and document at least one face-to-face meeting each month with each assigned young adult to ensure housing and case management needs are identified and addressed.
• Maintain each participant’s program eligibility documentation evidence in SACWIS database to ensure eligibility for IV-E reimbursement.
• Respond to and document all critical incidents according to established Bridges protocols and best practices.
• Help to prepare court-related documentary evidence, file motions, and appear in court with participants for best interest and redetermination hearings.
• Assist with the completion of Bridges tier identification, VPA, case planning, and other Bridges assessments and updates.
• Close cases upon young adult request or when no longer eligible.
• Maintain electronic database (SACWIS) and paper file case documentation in accordance with all regulatory compliance standards.
• Support young adult participation in focus groups.
• Attend regional information sessions with stakeholders and Collaborative members.
• Practice cultural competency and a desire to serve young adults; demonstrate an understanding of the child welfare system, LGBTQ identities, young adult parents, etc.
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities and complete required training.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• An Associate's degree in human services or a closely related field is required; A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• At least two years of professional social service experience working with families and/or children in the child welfare system is required.
• Experience providing mental health case management services is preferred.
• A commitment to and ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Keyboarding skills—able to type with both speed and accuracy.
• Computer competency—demonstrated experience in MS Excel, Word, and database programs.
• Travel is required; must have a reliable automobile, a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance coverage, with a clean driving record, and be insurable by Sojourners’ insurance agent.
• Ability to pass Sojourners’ screening process, including drug screening and background checks.

Key Competencies:

• Organization skills
• Awareness and appreciation of diversity
• Planning Skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Self-management
• Teamwork
• Tact
• Reliability
• Discretion/confidentiality

Essential Functions:

• Adequate vision to read computer and hard copy text
• Adequate hearing to listen for and respond to questions or problematic situations.
• Ability to verbally communicate in one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to drive in varied conditions (rain, winter, etc.)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Distance vision.

Employment Screening: Employment with Sojourners Care Network is contingent upon successfully passing required background checks and drug screening. Offers of employment are not extended until screening results are received, which may take 2 to 4 weeks.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $32,000 - $35,000