Family Search and Engagement Specialist

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Family Search and Engagement Specialist works with social services agencies to identify youth who need family-finding services and gathers information to assess family and community resources. The Specialist identifies biological relatives, adult kinship connections, and fictive kin, then contacts them to determine their interest and appropriateness as connections or sources of support for the youth. The role supports youth in developing meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of identity, while assessing whether living arrangements are safe and help prevent re-entry into foster care. The Specialist also collaborates with community stakeholders to promote communication and coordination. The position involves gathering information from youth-serving agencies, health providers, educational institutions, and families; using family-search tools and assessment instruments; building relationships with referral sources and community providers; and following up with families after discharge. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. A current valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance are required. Community-based staff receive reimbursement for applicable mileage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field; examples include social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees are subject to review.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.
Current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a social services discipline.

Responsibilities

Conduct viable family searches and administer family assessments.
Contact biological relatives and other adult kinship or fictive kin connections.
Meet with case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and families.
Contact current or previous mental health and physical health providers to gather information relevant to comprehensive care.
Contact current or previous educational institutions.
Meet regularly with agency leadership.
Manage and navigate family search engines.
Implement indicated assessment tools.
Build positive relationships with community stakeholders and pursue case referrals through family-finding work.
Establish relationships with community providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, school groups, community groups, juvenile court personnel, human services workers, and social workers.
Respond to customer service needs and monitor customer satisfaction.
Maintain ongoing contact with key referral sources.
Complete three-month post-discharge calls to families to assess the youth’s stability in the community.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage.
401(k).
Two weeks of paid vacation for full-time employees; one week for part-time employees.
12 paid sick days per year.
11 paid holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Mileage and cell phone reimbursement when applicable.
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision.
Growth and development through continuous training.
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.