Youth Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

8d • $3,581 - $4,867 • Onsite

About The Position

This position works under the direct supervision of the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) supervisor of the director over the PAL program. This position acts as the subject matter expert and serves as a liaison interfacing with CPS staff and youth and young adults who are currently or formerly in foster care. The key job responsibilities of this position include organizing and supporting the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Youth Leadership Council (YLC); advancing the work of the Regional YLC, and outreach to youth and young adults; promoting the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth and young adults transitioning from out of home care; writing articles and announcements for YLC publication; consulting with others on projects and providing and gathering youth and young adults input; submit quarterly reports to State Office Youth Specialist; related administrative tasks; and other duties assigned. This position works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. This position will be filled by a former foster youth who aged out of care.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Child Protective Services (CPS) and experience mentoring, guiding, working with young people in the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of CPS and Transitional Living services and benefits for youth and young adults to promote the successful transition of the foster care system.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Good organizational skills and ability to set and meet established priorities
• Ability to maintain a budget for the regional YLC
• Ability to relate well to others in a multi-ethnic work environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, youth and others, verbally and in writing
• Ability to present orally
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to utilize de-escalation skills
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment, computer and software
• Must be an alumni of a state's child welfare system.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Completion of 30 semester hours from an accredited College or University.
• Willingness to travel overnight and across Texas.

Nice To Haves

• One year of relevant work experience in administrative work or a technical program area is preferred.
• Preferred work experience using a personal computer and work experience to indicate a general understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform job duties.

Responsibilities

• Promotes the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth transitioning out of care. Works on various projects that may involve speaking before groups for education purposes related to youth development and leadership.
• Coordinates and supports the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Youth Leadership Committee (YLC). Prepares reports and submits information to regional and/or state office administration.
• Coordinates youth opportunities in leadership development and training, advocacy, and how to operate, govern and maintain the YLC. Advances the work and presence of the YLC, linking young people across the region and supporting the Committee's outreach activities and priorities.
• Coordinates with staff and work groups to provide youth/alumni perspective into practice, procedures, and policies related to youth currently or formerly in care and who continue to receive benefits. Gathers youth input to ensure consumer perspective. Assists with development of core services, policies and procedures related to services provided to foster care youth.
• Assist in providing consultative services, sharing of policy, best practice, and program information with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare materials for the Transitional Living Services program, regional Youth Leadership Council reports, and other materials as requested related to youth currently and formerly in foster care.
• Explains and disseminates information concerning transitional living services and other supports to youth and young adults.
• Responds to inquiries from youth currently and formerly in foster care regarding services and benefits for youth who experienced the foster care system.
• Serves as a youth consultant to staff, workgroups and committees. Represents the region as a member of the Regional Youth Specialists Group, and to the PAL and ETV Specialists at State Office.
• Prepares and compiles training material. Will present training materials at regional and state events individually and/or as part of the team.
• Assists with writing articles and announcements for youth newsletters, the website and other related publications.
• Performs related administrative tasks, such as internet search, typing, copying, faxing and filing.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree