PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS: Assumes responsibility Extended Foster Care Services
FUNCTIONS
- Provide support to 17-20 young adults as they transition though the Arizona extended foster care system.
- Meet with the young adults in collaboration with the DCSS to provide supportive services and transition planning.
- Develop a working alliance with the young adult.
- Uses motivational, nonjudgmental, encouraging strategies to engage young adults and respectfully keeps them accountable to the change process.
- Develop, coordinate, and facilitate life skill activities off site (i.e. college tours, volunteer opportunities, job fairs, housing options, etc.). Address barriers to services through the Local Inter-Agency Team.
- Support young adult’s understanding of the EFC Program
- Provide transportation to Life Skills, Employment, Vocational, and Housing related activities appropriate to young adult’s ability, to include any of their children
- Support youth in seeking and maintaining employment (resume, application submission, interview readiness, dress code, work etiquette, transportation, etc.)
- Supporting youth and young adults in crisis stabilization and identifying and addressing the root cause of the crisis. Providing interventions to address immediate safety until the young adult can start or continue in goal progression
- Support youth in connecting with supportive services (Vocational Rehab, SMI, Public Housing, DES, Child Care, etc.)
- Develop and maintain working relationships with community partners with a vested entrance in supporting transitioning age youth.
- Establishes and maintains good working relationships with co-workers and other personnel through demonstrating an attitude of cooperation and understanding.
- Ensures service frequency and methods of approach align with contractual, agency, and best practice guidelines.
- Maintains confidentiality regarding client’s identity and problems so as not to violate the professional code of ethics.
- Participate and/or facilitate team-based planning meetings at the invitation of the youth such as wraparound meetings, family engagement meetings, and permanency or community roundtables
- Responsible for providing culturally sensitive, trauma informed, and individualized services.
- Maintains contact and monitors youth progress as required by contract.
- Inputs family data into Electronic Record and Quick Connect Systems.
- Uses independent judgment to demonstrate the ability to problem solve and make decisions in the best interest of the youth we serve.
- Compiles client files in accordance with required contractual obligations and established procedures including significant documentation necessary for continuity of service.
- Demonstrates appropriate level of knowledge, provides case management, coordinates services and refers youth to community resources that meet their specific needs.
- Models Center’s expectation for sensitivity and competency relating to diversity and cultural awareness.
- Participates in meetings and continuing education and training related to the program.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Education must consist of a Bachelor’s or associate's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Behavioral Health, or Education.
- Must have experience serving transitional age youth (14-20) in systems of care
- Must have experience in word processing in a Windows environment.
- Must be at least 26 years of age.
- Candidates with lived experience in systems of care, which may include Foster Care, juvenile justice, run-away and homeless youth programs is preferred
- Must have experience in word processing in a Windows environment.
- Must be able to display verbal and written communication skills that meet the requirements of the position and needs of clients.
- Must complete a minimum of 14 hours of professional development training annually.
