Youth Transition and Facilitation Specialist

Family Support Services•Largo, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Transition and Facilitation Specialist supports the Independent Living team and collaborates with foster parents, group home providers, foster care services providers (CMOs), and community providers to prepare youth for transition out of the system of care. The position ensures that youth ages 13–17 receive life skills assessments and training through formal and informal pathways, connects youth with positive adults, and serves as a point of contact for mentor relationships. The specialist schedules and facilitates transition staffings for youth ages 16 and 17, works with FSS contracted partners to ensure contractual requirements are met on time—particularly independent living tasks required for the 17.5 Judicial Review—and ensures eligible youth are registered in the Keys to Independence Program. The role also helps youth obtain the documents, information, and connections needed as they turn 18, connects them with contracted providers, and helps identify an appropriate post-18 program. For youth who do not qualify for extended foster care (EFC) but wish to enter it, the specialist assists with developing a plan to become eligible. The position is based with Family Support Services CMO in Largo, Florida. It requires a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and current Child Welfare/Case Management Certification. The specialist must be able to work nights and weekends as needed and meet the stated background, reference, substance screening, motor vehicle, insurance, and work authorization requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least three years of experience in one or more of the following: community engagement, program management, volunteer management, event coordination, or youth/teen engagement.
Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work independently and creatively.
Ability to prepare a variety of communications.
Ability to gather, summarize, and report information.
Ability to make presentations to staff and community groups.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to adapt to different environments and collaborate with various levels of management.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Positive outlook and ability to collaborate or work independently as department needs dictate.
Strong presentation skills, follow-up, and follow-through.
Ability to build long-term collaborative relationships internally and externally.
Ability to engage the community for volunteerism and donations.
Strong time management skills and a team mentality.
Valid driver’s license.
Current Child Welfare/Case Management Certification.
Clear a Level II Live Scan background screening, reference check, local county background check, substance abuse screen, and E-Verify check.
Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check and be insurable under the company’s automobile policy.
Provide a copy of automobile insurance and, if deemed a driving risk, maintain personal auto liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000.
Provide copies of certifications and degrees before the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Child welfare adoption experience is preferred.
Knowledge of community and/or nonprofit administration is preferred.
Knowledge of mentor program relationships is preferred.
Knowledge of training and public speaking is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with contracted providers to facilitate and implement the Statewide Life Skills Program, life skills assessments, and informal life skills training.
Assist CMOs in providing additional life skills opportunities and completing life skills assessments.
Manage or complete tracking of life skills assessments and training to ensure youth participation.
Coordinate with community partners to provide teen enrichment programs.
Evaluate program effectiveness, need, budgets, and return on investment; secure volunteers for events as appropriate and needed.
Use FSFN data to identify youth needing transition staffings and schedule and facilitate staffings for youth ages 16 and 17.
Complete and upload the My Pathways to Success Plan into FSFN.
Follow up on outstanding tasks to comply with CFOP and other staffing requirements.
Prepare case information for teens transitioning to secondary case management with a contracted provider, including for the 17.5-year-old staffing and preparation for Extended Foster Care.
Vet and establish relationships with mentoring providers in the community and maintain a current list of providers.
Ensure case management partners are aware of mentoring opportunities, facilitate use of mentoring programs, and assess their impact on youth in the system of care.
Connect individuals interested in mentoring with the appropriate community partner.
Ensure eligible youth are registered in the Keys to Independence Program and have necessary documents, information, and connections for turning 18.
Connect youth with contracted providers and help determine an appropriate post-18 program.
Assist youth who do not qualify for EFC but wish to enter it in developing a plan to become eligible.
Perform other duties as requested.