Services for Youth Advancement Coordinator

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) and the Child Placement Accountability Commission (CPAC) are tasked with the responsibility of administering the Ivyane Davis Memorial Scholarship fund. This fund was established to provide scholarships for post-secondary education to Delaware youth who experienced foster care. The OCA, on CPAC’s behalf also administer the federal Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program which is a federal funding resource for scholarships. In addition, the OCA is responsible to administer the Tuition Waiver program that was established by the passage of the Fostering Independence Through Education Tuition Waiver Program in 2022. This program supports qualifying youth who spent time in Delaware’s foster care system to access higher education by waiving tuition, fees and (where offered) room and board at Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College and the University of Delaware. The OCA is also responsible for implementing the Driver’s License and Insurance (DLI) Program for youth and young adults who experienced foster care in Delaware. The DLI program was established in April of 2023 through the passage of legislation in October of 2022. The program provides resources and supports for youth and young adults that breaks down barriers associated with obtaining a driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree.
Knowledge of interviewing to obtain facts, exploring issues, and identifying courses of action.
Experience in establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with individuals and community agencies.
Experience working directly with youth or vulnerable populations.
Experience in document processing which includes reviewing and evaluating records for completeness and conformity with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; resolving deficiencies; interpreting information; and tracking and monitoring activities.
Experience in using standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, or databases.
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver’s license or its equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Proficient in Excel.
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Awareness of the child welfare and foster care system.
Experience working with teens and young adults.
Experience writing policy, procedure and reports.
Ability to travel statewide.

Responsibilities

Serve as one of the two staff persons to oversee the DLI program, including updating the application process, overseeing public-facing education material, data input, stakeholder trainings, CPAC report-outs, coordination of services with youth participants, their support team and community partners, collaboration with state agencies, and management of the program's budget.
Serve as one of the two staff persons to manage the ETV and Ivyane Davis Memorial scholarship, including oversight of the application process, ongoing communication and support of youth participants, coordination with post-secondary schools and programs, collaboration with the youth’s support team, data collection, budget oversight, stakeholder trainings, and CPAC report-outs.
Serve as one of the two staff persons to manage the Tuition Waiver program, including development of program supports, collaboration with specified universities and colleges, support to youth participants through verifying eligibility and ongoing coordination of resources, data collection, trainings, and management of public-facing educational material.
Attend workgroups, trainings, and conferences.
Administer the scholarship application process for the Ivyane Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund, Chafee ETV Program, Tuition Waiver Program, and the Driver’s License and Insurance Program.
Prepare reports related to scholarship and DLI activities and regularly review application process, policy, and procedure for needed updates.
Work directly with youth to complete applications and gather needed documentation.
Assist students with their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other aspects of the college or trade school application process.
Collaborate with Independent Living Providers to promote scholarship and DLI opportunities and coordinate applications from youth.
Interview youth applicants for scholarships.
Prepare and issue award letters to students.
Coordinate with partnered organizations to connect youth with DLI services.
Submit monthly invoices.
Maintain regular contact and communication with and support of youth participating in the programs.
Manage a budget, adhering to state and federal fiscal rules.
Staff the CPAC Services for Youth Advancement Committee.
Support Delaware’s Youth Advisory Council, HOPE, by attending meetings, sharing input, and providing guidance.
Coordinate with educational institutions regarding payment and academic progress.
Maintain a comprehensive database of allocations and outcomes.
Work with the Administrative Office of the Courts to ensure timely release of awards.
Propose changes to State regulations regarding scholarship funds.
Understand how federal grants operate to comply with federal Chafee requirements.