TAY Navigator (Multiple Positions)(Closes 8/3)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services • Pittsburgh, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position within the Office of Children, Youth and Families, Allegheny County, Department of Human Services (DHS). The TAY Navigator will work with a population of 14 and older youth who are or have been placed in foster care, residential or group home placements through the Child Welfare System. This position requires an individual to be enthusiastic about the learning process, committed to working with diverse populations and able to engage older youth. The TAY Navigator will coordinate services for youth active with child welfare, complete a life skills assessment for youth, develop individualized goal plans to improve outcomes for their future and work closely with the child welfare caseworker. The caseworker will remain the lead worker on the case, while the TAY Navigator will lead all independent-living–related services and will maintain a strong understanding of the youth’s needs. This position requires local and occasional out-of-county travel, as well as the ability to participate in youth-centered activities and events, which may take place during evening hours. Supervisor is responsible for providing supervision, guidance and oversight to the TAY Navigators, who are responsible for assisting youth in transition from placement in the Child Welfare System to adult independence. If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates working onsite at Allegheny County DHS. A TAY Navigator will uphold the overarching goal of enhancing the lives of youth with foster care experience by promoting permanency, identifying natural support(s), strengthening values, reducing barriers, connecting them to resources, and supporting their transition into adulthood.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences: OR Two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; in addition to two years of equivalent work experience OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision is important.
• Knowledge of the laws pertaining to foster youth.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage youth to participate in programs and services offered by DHS.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, dependent upon the needs of the youth and as assigned by the supervisor.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are needed for local travel.
• Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Responsibilities

• Assess each youth’s abilities, interests, and talents to support the development of academic, career, and independent living goals.
• Complete all required assessments and plans, such as the Intake Assessment, IL Goal Plan, Transition Plan, and other mandated documents.
• Ensure youth obtain and maintain required documentation, including annual credit history and other vital records.
• Maintain regular face-to-face and ongoing contact with youth in alignment with TAY policies to Support progress toward individualized goals.
• Provide guidance and support to help youth navigate social, behavioral, and personal challenges.
• Identify and connect youth to community resources, programs, and referrals that promote stability, permanency, and overall well-being.
• Facilitate completion of the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) survey for eligible youth.
• Complete Act 80/91 documentation for youth over 18 with active CYF cases.
• Update the Youth Summary in the appropriate system at least twice per year and maintain accurate, timely electronic case records.
• Manage caseloads, attend all required meetings and court hearings, and close cases when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with CYF caseworkers, foster parents, residential staff, school personnel, and other key partners to gather information and coordinate services.
• Participate in conciliation agreements and meetings and track outcomes as required.
• Assist in coordinating services and supports for young adults with active child welfare cases, helping them work toward transition-related goals.
• Serve as the TAY Gatekeeper by monitoring services, supporting youth in navigating available resources, and advocating to ensure all needs are addressed.
• Maintain a regular presence at assigned Regional Offices, including attendance at office meetings and relationship-building with CYF staff.
• Encourage and promote youth participation in DHS programs and opportunities.
• Attend youth-focused activities and DHS evening functions as assigned.
• Offer support with youth transportation for relevant meetings, appointments, or activities on an as-needed basis.
• Complete any additional tasks or duties assigned by the employer.

Benefits

• Equity in hiring and advancement
• Unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level of DHS
• Strong, assertive leaders
• Opportunity to make a big impact
• Opportunity to be one of the best human services organizations in the country
• Opportunity to be a problem-solver, innovator, and leader
• Opportunity to be smart in how funding is used to reach people who most need help
• A place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level