Family Search and Engagement Specialist

Youth Villages•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 their family and community. The Specialist contacts biological relatives, other kin, and fictive kin to assess their interest and suitability to connect with the youth and provide support. The role helps youth build meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of identity, while assessing living arrangements for safety and to help prevent re-entry into foster care. The Specialist also engages community stakeholders to promote communication and collaboration. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. Applicants must have a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff receive reimbursement for applicable mileage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field is required. Considered fields include social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, and 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 family searches and administer family assessments.
Contact biological relatives and other adult kinship or fictive kin.
Meet with case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and families.
Contact current or previous mental 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 and 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.
Continuous training for growth and development.
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.