Foster Care Alumni Specialist in Buffalo, New York at The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc

JOB SUMMARY

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

This position will provide management and supportive services to young adults participating in the Foster Care Alumni Program. Responsible for assisting participants with achieving stability and self-sufficiency through individualized goal planning, resource coordination, advocacy, and ongoing support. Provide participants with access to resources such as housing, education, employment, mental health, financial literacy, and other supportive services while utilizing a trauma informed and youth centered approach.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing case management, supportive counseling, and crisis intervention services to program participants.
• Develop individualized service plans with measurable goals relating to housing stability, employment, education, independent living, and overall well-being.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify participant strengths, barriers, and service needs.
• Assist participants with accessing community resources including housing assistance, workforce development, educational opportunities, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and mental health services.
• Assist participants with completing applications, obtaining identification documents, and navigating public benefit systems.
• Maintain regular contact with participants through office visits, home visits, phone calls, virtual meetings, and community-based outreach.
• Monitor participant progress toward established goals and update service plans as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of participants to remove barriers to services and support positive outcomes.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with internal departments and external community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including case notes, assessments, referrals, and progress reports.
• Assist with planning and facilitating life skills workshops, youth engagement activities, and group programming.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, trainings, and collaborative partner meetings.
• Support participant retention and engagement through relationship building and consistent follow-up.
• Ensure compliance with all program guidelines, reporting requirements, and confidentiality standards.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or related field
• Four (4) years’ experience in related field

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or related field
• Two (2) years’ experience in related field

• Experience working with at risk youth and young adults preferred
• Experience utilizing trauma informed care practices preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong commitment in maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to comply with all federal, state, and agency regulations.
• Ability to engage and build positive relationships with young adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of independent living skills, youth development, housing resources, and workforce development
• Strong crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community agencies, schools, landlords, employers, and service providers.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and trauma informed service delivery.

Physical Demands:

• Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents and information.
• Ability to write reports and speak effectively
• Excellent grammar skills and ability to accurately summarize verbal and written information.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time while occasionally walking and standing.
• Must have hand, finger coordination to type and be able to reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Application Requirements:

• Physical examination record or pass physical examination by a CAO physician
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and proof of motor vehicle insurance coverage
• Completion of the following documents:
  • CAO Employment application
  • NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
  • Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Fingerprinting required.
  • Release for Reference Checks

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.