Youth Engagement Specialist

Texas Family Care Network•Nacogdoches, TX

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist serves as the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Coordinator. The role coordinates between program staff and contractors, identifies and develops resources for PAL youth, provides follow-up services to emancipated youth, offers consultation and education to staff, caregivers, and community groups, monitors PAL contract service delivery, and coordinates contract management staff. The position interacts routinely with staff, representatives of various organizations, and the general public. The specialist helps youth in care prepare for independent living and emancipation, coordinates PAL services and activities, maintains case documentation, and supports case managers with transitional-living case planning and permanency conferences. The role also reviews monthly data warehouse reports and performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
State Police, FBI, and Child Abuse Clearances.
CPSL Mandated Reporter—Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training, as required by state regulation.
Ability to work under constant deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work flexible hours.
Ability to meet the demands of and complete Crisis Intervention & Prevention (CIP).

Responsibilities

Ensure children in care receive counseling and guidance to prepare for independent living and emancipation while they are still in care.
Coordinate, attend, participate in, and assist with planning statewide and regional teen conferences, Peaks Camp, Youth Leadership Council meetings, and college conferences and tours.
Monitor PAL contract service delivery and coordinate contract needs with contract management staff.
Maintain sufficient forms and narrative case documentation to provide a complete and accurate written record for each youth receiving PAL services in assigned PAL-only cases.
Provide PAL program consultation and education to staff, caregivers, and community groups.
Develop and maintain communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, staff, and the community.
Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
Talk frankly and objectively with youth about matters they may consider personal and private.
Ensure or coordinate completion of the Casey Life Skills Assessment for youth in care.
Ensure PAL Life Skills training is provided to each youth in conservatorship care who is age 16 or older.
Observe at least one core element per trainer each year to assess quality of services provided.
Complete Tuition and Fee Waiver Forms for youth.
Provide qualifying youth with an employment preference form letter when they turn 18 or upon request.
Provide youth still in foster care with information about employment preference.
Assist case managers with case planning to identify youth transitional-living needs and services, participate in individual case reviews, and take part in permanency conferences such as Circles of Support for youth age 16 and older to help develop the youth’s Child’s Plan of Service.
Review data warehouse reports monthly.
Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.