Cooperative Program Coordinator jobs in Columbia, MD

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth and advancement within our organization! If you are passionate about working with children and have experience working with unaccompanied minors and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), we encourage you to apply for this position!

Who we are

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve.  We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families.

Working At NYAP

• NYAP's commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families is a core value and one that we look for in our newest team members.
• 22 Days Off Each Year! Plus 11 Paid Holidays Per Year!
• Healthcare Benefits for you and your family
• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (Half-day Fridays and Work Anniversary Trips!
• Mileage Reimbursement, Phone Allowance, Student Loan Repayment Assistance, CEU’s and ongoing trainings/education

Position Summary 

This position is responsible for licensing and retaining quality foster homes, ensuring licensed homes meet or exceed community and organizational needs 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Actively supports, represents, and extends the mission, vision, and values of the organization. 

• Completes all required training in a timely manner. 

• Support the development of potential foster parents in understanding the needs of the youth entering foster care. 

• Responsible for the knowledge and implementation of all rules, regulations, and policies related to foster care. 

• Complete face-to-face meetings with each potential family within the first two weeks to answer questions and assist in the licensing process. 

• Assist all potential foster families in providing all required information and completing required paperwork in a timely manner. 

• Meet with foster parents experiencing challenges in the licensing process to identify and assist in overcoming barriers. 

• Develop a comprehensive home study for each potential family and submit for approval. 

• Maintain and update all foster home records in appropriate systems. 

• Provide ongoing training and support to licensed foster homes. 

• Complete annual evaluations and recertification of all licensed foster homes. 

• Support foster parents including providing information, education, meetings, support groups, and one on one discussions. 

• Travels daily, to provide community based services to, and on behalf of, youth and families in compliance with organizational, contract, and regulatory requirements. 

• Participates in the Continuous Quality Improvement activities on a monthly/quarterly basis. 

• Actively participate in the weekly supervision process. 

• Capacity to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function. 

• Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others. 

• Report incidents to state and supervisory agencies when appropriate. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Degree in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution. 

• 2 years of work experience working in direct service with youth and families strongly preferred. 

• A valid professional license as required and acceptable by state or contract regulations. 

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency 

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance, and a good driving record.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/300,000 bodily injury liability

• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS 

• A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in the service of foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served.  

• Capacity to be flexible and responsive to youth served, foster caregivers, system partners, and internal customers. 

• Ability to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function. 

• Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others. 

• Must be comfortable with public speaking 

COVID-19 Considerations: 

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, NYAP Immunization Policy and Procedures requires all employees, contractors, interns and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except to the extent an individual is eligible for an exemption or the policy and procedure is not applicable by law. The State of IL has a separate mandate. For more information contact Human Resources at 614-487-3888. 

Our organization was established in Ohio and is now in 10 states. We continue to expand and develop new and innovative programs for our communities and families. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes major medical, dental, vision, 401K, student loan assistance and generous paid time off. If YOU can envision it; WE can DO it! The possibilities are endless! 

The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds. 

This job description is not an all-inclusive list of duties but rather a reflection of typical work performed in that position. 

If this is you visit us at www.nyap.org/employment/