Family Search and Engagement Specialist

Youth Villages•Auburn, AL

8d•Remote

About The Position

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Position Overview: The Family Search and Engagement Specialist engages social services agencies to identify youth where family finding is needed and gathers materials for a strong assessment of the family and community. Once connections are found, the Specialist contacts them to determine interest and appropriateness for connecting with the child and serving as a resource or support. The Specialist then works to support youth in developing meaningful connections, strengthening their sense of identity, and assessing the living arrangements to be safe and preventing re-entry into the foster care system. Additionally, the Family Search and Engagement Specialist will have responsibilities related to engaging community stakeholders to establish high levels of communication and collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social services field (required)
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Applicants must possess a 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 (preferred)

Responsibilities

Conducts viable family searches and administers family assessments
Contacts any biological relatives or other adult kinship or fictive kin
Meets with case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and families
Contacts previous or current mental health and/or physical health providers to gather pertinent information about the youth and family that is vital to comprehensive care
Contacts previous or current educational institutions
Meets regularly with agency leadership
Effectively manages and navigates family search engines
Implements indicated assessment tools
Builds positive relationships with key community stakeholders by pursuing case referrals through family finding work
Establishes relationships with key community providers including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, school groups, community groups, juvenile court personnel, human services workers, and social workers
Responds to customer service needs and monitors customer satisfaction
Maintains ongoing contact with key referral sources
Completes 3-month post discharge calls to families to assess the youth’s stability in the community
Performs other duties as assigned