Community Connections YouThrive Specialist

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS YOUTHRIVE SPECIALIST  

Job Category: Children & Youth Programs 

Job Status: Full-time 

Reports to: Program Manager 

Job Summary: The Community Connections YouThrive (CCYT) Specialist provides one-on-one services to young adults, ages 17-26, who are currently or formerly in the foster care system, as they transition from foster care to independence as adults, connecting them to community-based resources. The CCYT Specialist will assist in determining goals for successful adulthood, including educational, occupational, health care, and social connection goals.  

FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. This progressive organization is equipped to connect children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for a brighter, successful future for foster and adoptive children. Be part of a diverse, inclusive, exciting team! Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one family at a time. 

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Help youth grow in competencies regarding critical life domains such as housing, education, transportation, employment, health, identity, social connections, and finances via a relational, strengths-based approach.  

• Complete assessments, client narratives, actions plans, and any other documentation requirements in a timely manner and within stated guidelines.  

• Follow requirements and policies of agency, contracts, state regulations and Council on Accreditation standards.  

• Utilize trauma-informed care knowledge and practice to support and equip youth for adulthood.  

• Meet at least monthly with clients to track progress towards goal completion and maintain regular communication and contact with clients and support teams.  

• Provide transportation as needed to assist client(s) in achieving identified goals.  

• Provide driving lessons to client(s) as requested or needed.  

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress in FAC’s internal document management system. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of contact.  

• Encourage youth to participate in our program and assess their strengths, needs, existing supports, and motivation to work on goals for their future.  

• Assist in collecting information from caregivers and case managers to expand client’s support system and family connections 

• Provide advocacy and support for all clients.  

• Develop relationships with key community partners and service providers.  

• Responsible for making community connections to increase program referrals as assigned (i.e., distributing program brochures, scheduling informational meetings, contacting media outlets, speaking at community presentations, attending booth exhibits, etc.).  

• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments and attend meetings as assigned. 

• Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.  

• Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Vice President of Children & Youth Programs and Chief Operations Officer.  

• Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation. 

Qualifications & Preferred Skills 

• Must have and be able to demonstrate a personal background of at least one (1) year as a youth in the foster care system. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work or in related human services field (preferred). 

• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies. 

• Outstanding organizational and planning skills.  

• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families. 

• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.  

• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly.  

• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust.  

• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.  

• Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics.  

• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times. 

• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions. 

• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.   

• Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.  

• Must have reliable transportation. 

Compensation & Benefits  

• Compensation commensurate with experience. 

• Comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 

• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution. 

• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.  

• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available. 

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match. 

• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options. 

• Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered. 

• Generous paid time off and holidays. 

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.