Youth Villages

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the adoption and implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services.

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Position Summary

This position includes engaging social services agencies to identify youth where family finding is needed; and to gather materials for a strong assessment of the family and community. Once connections are found, the specialist contacts them to determine interest and appropriateness for connecting with the child and serving as a resource or support. The Specialist then works to support youth in developing meaningful connections, strengthening their sense of identity, and assessing the living arrangements to be safe and preventing re-entry into the foster care system.

Additionally, the Specialist will have responsibilities related to engaging community and DHR stakeholders to establish high levels of communication and collaboration.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Conducts a viable family search
Conducts family assessments
Contacts any biological relatives or other adult kinship or fictive kin
Meets with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and families
Contacts previous or current mental health and/or physical health providers to gather pertinent information about the youth/family that is vital to comprehensive care
Contacts previous or current educational institutions
Meets regularly with the agency leadership
Effectively manages and navigates through family search engines
Implements indicated assessment tools
Build positive relationships with DHR and others, pursuing case referrals through family finding work
Establish relationships with key community providers including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, school groups, community groups, juvenile court personnel, human services workers, and social workers
Respond to customer service needs and monitor customer satisfaction
Maintain ongoing contact with key referral sources

This role would serve Baldwin County and service the following areas: Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Spanish Fort and Bay Minette.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in social services discipline with experience working with at-risk youth, adults, or families is required
A Master's degree in a social services discipline is preferred
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualifications
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Growth & development through continuous training
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.

Family Search & Engagement Specialist *Serving Baldwin County* (Mobile)

Job Type

Family Search & Engagement Specialist Serving Baldwin County (Mobile)