Youth Engagement Specialist (Dallas)

Texas Family Care Network•Dallas, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist will serve as the Preparation for Adult Living Coordinator. This role is responsible for coordinating between program staff and contractors, identifying and developing resources for Preparation for Adult Living youth, providing follow-up services to emancipated youth, and offering consultation/education to staff, caregivers, and community groups. The position also involves monitoring Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinating contract management staff. The role requires routine interaction with staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or better in Human Services or related field; or accredited Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience; or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant work experience.
Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record.
Reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
Two (2) years of relevant experience in child welfare including knowledge of issues surrounding foster care, adoption, trauma, medical and developmental needs, and the importance of legal permanency are recommended as well as familiarity with state child welfare rules and procedures and the juvenile and/or probate court systems.
DPS DFPS FBI CBCU Eligibility Determination
Child Abuse Clearance

Responsibilities

Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.
Reviews data warehouse reports monthly.
Participates in the on-call rotation and duties.
Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings.
Participates in child pending placement shifts as needed.
Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.
Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them.
Ensures children in care are receiving guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care.
Talks frankly and objectively with youth about matters they may consider personal and private.
Ensures/Coordinates youth in care have taken the Casey Life Skills Assessment.
Ensures PAL Life Skills training is provided for each youth in conservatorship care who is age 16 years or older.
Observes at least one core element per trainer per year for quality of services provided.
Assist case managers in case planning activities as it pertains to: Identifying the youth’s transitional living needs and services to meet those needs; Participating in individual case reviews with case managers; Participates in permanency conferences such as a Circle of Support for youth ages 16 and older to help youth with the development of their Child’s Plan of Service.
Provide the employment preference form letter to qualifying youth when they are 18 years or when requested.
Provide youth still in foster care with information about employment preference.
Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or director to maintain unit operations.
Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, staff and community.
Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth.
Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Coordinates, attend, participate and assists in planning statewide and regional teen conferences as well as Peaks Camp, Youth Leadership Council Meetings and College Conferences/Tours.
Documents case records in accordance with policy.
Maintains sufficient case documentation including forms and narratives to provide a complete and accurate written record in assigned Preparation for Adult Living only cases for each youth receiving Preparation for Adult Living services.
Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.).
Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems.
Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation.
Adheres to deadlines for expense reports.
Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established within the organization.
Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed.
Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws.
Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation.
Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date.
Attends and participates in all required trainings.