Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Specialist at DePelchin Children’s Center – Houston, Texas

Position: Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Specialist
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Manager, Client Support
Company: Texans Together
Location: Houston, TX

Position Description:
The SIL Specialist is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and overseeing Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placements for youth and young adults aged 16–22 who are transitioning toward adulthood while in DFPS conservatorship or Extended Foster Care. The role ensures safe, developmentally appropriate, and policy compliant SIL placements by integrating placement processes, documentation requirements, service planning expectations, and permanency mandates outlined in the Region 6 Stage I Joint Operations Manual. The Specialist works closely with DFPS caseworkers, Texans Together (SSCC), caregivers, SIL providers, PAL staff, CANS assessors, and legal representatives to ensure youth are prepared for adulthood and receive the services, monitoring, and support required to thrive.

Primary Responsibilities:
SIL Placement Coordination

• Facilitate SIL placement requests following Non-Emergency Placement and Placement Change processes outlined in the manual.
• Ensure youth meet eligibility criteria for SIL and that their CANS, service package, and current Child Plan of Service reflect their needs.
• Coordinate with SSCC Placement Coordinators, DFPS Caseworkers & Supervisors, Youth providers and SIL programs, PAL Program staff and Court-appointed advocates and attorneys.
• Ensure SIL youth receive all required notifications, documents, and support at placement, including 2085 SIL Placement Authorization, Attachment A (when applicable), Placement Summary (Form 2279), Medical consenter and education decision-maker assignments.

Documentation & IMPACT / OneCase Responsibilities

• Ensure all documents related to SIL placements are uploaded and maintained in OneCase and IMPACT, following manual timeframes.
• Document Placement entries and updates, Service planning outcomes, Youth eligibility criteria, SIL provider documentation and Youth progress toward independence.
• Follow Region 6 timeframes for approvals and immediate notifications to mailbox contacts (SSCC placement, PAL, Permanency, etc.).

Youth Readiness, Skill Development & Transition Support

• Assess youth readiness for SIL and identify supports required for successful transition.
• Ensure youth have a current Child Plan of Service, Life skills assessments (CLSA), Access to PAL training (when applicable) and Connections to adult support systems.
• Reinforce expectations related to independent living, including Daily living skills, Budgeting and employment, Education planning, Health care transition and Safety and crisis planning.

Service Planning Participation

• Participate in and support 90day and annual service plan meetings, Permanency planning meetings, Circle of Support (COS) and Preplacement and transition staffings.
• Ensure SIL youth are included in planning and have a voice in decisions made about their lives.
• Work collaboratively with caregivers, paid providers, and SSCC case care teams.

Monitoring & Support of SIL Providers

• Maintain ongoing communication with SIL providers to ensure placement safety, youth progress, and compliance with DFPS/SSCC expectations.
• Monitor youth progress in areas such as Educational attainment, Employment stability, Daily functioning, Mental/behavioral health and Adherence to program rules.
• Immediately relay provider concerns to the SSCC contracts team, communicate placement stability issues, or youth crises in coordination with SSCC teams.

Court & Legal Support

• Provide information needed for court hearings related to SIL placements.
• Ensure SSCC and providers receive timely notice of hearings, as the manual requires.
• Document youth attendance at required hearings and coordinate travel or virtual access.

Extended Foster Care & Return to Care

• Support youth transitioning into Extended Foster Care or Return to Extended Foster Care (ages 18–21).
• Assist with Form 2540 Voluntary Extended Foster Care Agreements, Eligibility verification, Placement continuity or new placement search, Coordination with PAL, SSCC, and providers.
• Ensure youth have required documentation before discharge, including Birth certificate, Social Security card, Education records, Health information, ID or driver’s license.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience working with older foster youth or transition-age populations.
• Experience with SIL or independent living programs
• Prior experience in placement coordination or case management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with DFPS processes, including skilled use of IMPACT and Placement/Service Planning requirements.
• Knowledge of Community-Based Care (CBC) and Stage I responsibilities.
• Knowledge of PAL, Extended Foster Care, and CANS processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop rapport and engage effectively with older youth.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations, using sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with DFPS, SSCC, caregivers, and service providers.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and youth development.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Office-based
• Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Travel: Frequent (Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance)

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.