Aviva Family and Children's Services Mission Statement
Creating safe, supportive spaces so children, youth and families can heal, build resilience, and experience belonging.
Job Summary
The Youth Partner works closely with and acts as a peer mentor and supportive ally to children and youth engaged in High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) services. Using their own lived experience within systems such as child welfare, behavioral health, and juvenile justice, they build trust, provide meaningful support, and uplift the youth's voice and choices. Serving as a role model of resilience and hope, the Youth Partner emphasizes emotional support, peer connection, and advocacy. Throughout the HFW process, they ensure the youth's experiences are acknowledged, their perspectives are heard, and their independence is respected. The Youth Partner completes all required paperwork in accordance with agency and county standards.
Essential Functions
o Build trusting relationships with youth through empathy, authenticity, nonjudgmental support, and appropriate self-disclosure.
o Serve as a role model of resilience, fostering hope, perseverance, and self-awareness.
o Empower youth to express their voice, make independent choices, and actively participate in planning and decision-making.
o Use appropriate self-disclosure to build connection and rapport through shared lived experience.
o Help youth identify strengths, needs, goals, and future vision through active listening and reflection.
o Teach and model coping strategies, self-care skills, and problem-solving techniques.
o Prepare and support youth in meetings, ensuring they can effectively communicate their perspectives.
o Provide ongoing one-on-one support and assist with appointments, court, and community engagement.
o Advocate for youth so their culture, preferences, and perspectives are reflected in all aspects of care.
o Participate in and support Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings and plans, including crisis situations.
o Attend meetings alongside youth to ensure understanding, inclusion, and effective advocacy.
o Encourage connections with family and natural supports to build long-term stability.
o Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and consult regularly with supervisor on case progress.
o Support early engagement by building rapport, ensuring confidentiality, and identifying strengths, needs, and natural supports.
o Educate youth on the HFW process and promote consistent engagement.
o Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement (projects included), and required trainings.
o Provide 24/7 availability for crisis response and ongoing support.
o Respond effectively to crisis situations while maintaining youth-centered care.
o Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with HFW, DCFS, county, state, and agency standards.
o Adhere to all confidentiality laws, HIPAA regulations, and mandated reporting requirements.
o Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and sensitivity to diverse populations.
o Maintain reliable transportation to meet job requirements of traveling throughout LA county.
The Youth Partner will take on special projects or additional duties as assigned by the ICBS Leadership
Competency Requirements
-Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
-Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
-Ability to work effectively as a member of the HFW team
-Ability to successfully work with families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
-Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
-Must have excellent interpersonal, engagement and communication skills
-Must have strong organizational and planning skills
-Knowledge of social services system and community resources
-Knowledgeable in HFW philosophy, principles, phases and model
-Demonstrate skill in operating Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and other agency programs
Education and Experience
-Must have lived experience in child-serving systems (child welfare, juvenile probation, or children's behavioral health system) as a minor/youth
-High school diploma or equivalent required AND 1 year working with high-risk youth.
-Experience with or working in the HFW program preferred
-Experience in crisis management preferred
-Experience with DMH documentation preferred
Certifications/Licenses
-Valid CA driver's license
-Valid automobile insurance
Additional Requirements
-Tuberculosis clearance
-Department of Justice/Fingerprint clearance
-Satisfactory completion of health screening
-Proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States
-Satisfactory driving record
Delegates Authority To
N/A
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of a Child and Family Specialist, the employee is frequently required to walk, drive, sit, and use their fingers to manipulate a keyboard or writing instrument. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach. The employee is rarely required to run, bend, kneel or lift objects weighing more than 30 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment is indoor and outdoors. The noise level varies from quiet to loud. The work environment is community-based and requires conducting home visits.
This Job Description has been developed to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or encompass all duties and responsibilities of the position.
Aviva Family and Children's Services at its sole and absolute discretion, expressly reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this and all job descriptions.
