Community Connections YouThrive Specialist

FosterAdopt Connect • Wichita, KS

3d

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families.
• C ollaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Stro ng verbal communication skills and demonstrated cap ability t o write clearly .
• Demonstrated leadership , team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Q uickly 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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in social work or in related human services field ( p referred) .
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Outstanding organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Help youth grow in competencies regarding critical life domains such as housing, education, transportation, employment, health, identity, social connections, and finances via a relat ional, strengths -based approach.
• Complete assessm ents, 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 th e Vice President of Children & Youth Programs and Chief Operations Officer.
• Travel for visits and meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees