Job Description:

Job Title: Youth Specialist
Location: Springfield, MO
Department: Employment Services
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The Youth Specialist is responsible to provide services and financial assistance for current and former foster youth. They will conduct instructional, and support activities based on each youth’s individualized plan goals.  The Youth Specialist will provide services designed to facilitate the youths’ development of the skills and resources necessary to successfully achieve independence and self-sufficiency. A Youth Specialist may be responsible to provide assistance with educational, vocational and independent living skill acquisition such as obtaining a diploma, career planning, job seeking, daily living, financial management, social connectedness, and healthcare.

The Youth Specialist position offers…

All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package - A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, and moreTelemedicine – 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visitsEmployee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no costPaid Time Off - 29 days per year including vacation & holiday payWorkplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement

Key Responsibilities: 

Treat all youth, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.

Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards during provision of services.

Maintain flexibility in work availability, including evenings and weekends as necessary.

Develop and maintain a working knowledge related to serving youth and young adults, with specific expertise related to youth in foster care.

Collaborate with Family Support Teams to create and/or update plans for service using SNAP (strengths, needs, abilities, preferences) principles.

Assist youth and their Family Support Team to identify obstacles to living independently, obtaining employment, completing education, developing supportive social networks, and participating in recreational activities that need to be addressed in the service planning process.

Complete all initial Planning Profile and related documentation with youth and the Family Support Team.

Facilitate development of all required individualized service plans with each youth, to include contributing to the Individualized Action Plan (IAP) created by the Case Manager and Family Support Team.

Meet with each youth assigned as required by type of services (Chafee, Aftercare, TLSS). 

Provide an active service, directly tied to IAP and service plan goals, each time meeting with youth.

Establish a supportive, professional relationship with each youth assigned.

Develop strategies, lessons, and/or curriculum necessary to facilitate achievement of/progress toward youths’ individualized plan goals. 

Assist youth with developing strategies and behaviors related to adult living such as meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting, auto/lawn care, scheduling, and enhancing overall independence.

Serve as a community resource specialist for youth, families, and referral sources.  

Assist leadership to maintain and update information related to available community resources beneficial for youth and stakeholders.

Facilitate mentoring opportunities for youth and assist them to develop a permanent connection with an adult in their community.

Assist and/or connect youth with resources for obtaining and maintaining employment as desired and defined within their service plan.

Provide financial information training and support to all youth, to include: checking credit scores, budgeting, saving, bill paying, and other related financial activities. 

Transport youth as necessary related to carrying out goals and objectives identified on their individualized plan.

Solicit in-kind services and donations to assist youth with achieving personal and financial goals.

Facilitate financial assistance transactions and purchases aligned with service plan goals.

Track and document expenditures, collect receipts, and attempt to solicit donations prior to making purchases. 

Serve as a chaperone for quarterly State Youth Advisory Board, conferences, and other meetings. 

Assist with implementation of quarterly Local Youth Advisory Board meetings by organizing/attending meetings, transporting youth to/from meetings, and overall facilitation of meetings as assigned. 

Assist with implementation of additional group activities provided by local offices by organizing/attending meetings, transporting youth to/from meetings, and overall facilitation of meetings as assigned.

Complete all required data entry within the required databases (PFH and FACES).

Complete daily, monthly, and activity based reporting (visit logs, progress/expenditure/hours reporting, plans) as required for the specific services being performed.

Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing youth and identifying potential referrals into these or other PFH services.

Serve as an advocate for youth with their Family Support Team, community, employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders (schools, other social service agencies, healthcare, etc). 

Promote the organization, services, and youth in a professional manner through participation in community events and awareness activities, collaboration efforts, and committees.  This may include making presentations or public speaking.

On- Call throughout week/weekends/holidays

Experience and/or Education Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.  

Experience in foster care, education, employment services, case management, social services or other applicable vocation is preferred.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.