Youth Engagement Specialist in Nacogdoches, Texas at Pressley Ridge

Position Summary

The Youth Engagement Specialist will serve as the Preparation for Adult Living Coordinator and is responsible for providing coordination between program staff and contractors; identifying and developing resources for Preparation for Adult Living youth; providing follow-up services to emancipated youth; providing consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups and for monitoring Preparation for Adult Living Contract service delivery and coordinating contract management staff. The position interacts routinely with staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

1. Ensures children in care are receiving counseling and guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care.
2. Coordinates, attend, participate and assists in planning statewide and regional teen conferences as well as Peaks Camp, Youth Leadership Council Meetings and College Conferences/Tours.
3. Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.
4. Maintains sufficient case documentation including forms and narratives to provide a complete and accurate written record in assigned Preparation for Adult Living only cases for each youth receiving Preparation for Adult Living services. Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing task and the ability to work flexible hours.
5. Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.
6. Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, staff and community.
7. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
8. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
9. Talks frankly and objectively with youth about matters they may consider personal and private.
10. Ensures/Coordinates youth in care have taken the Casey Life Skills Assessment.
11. Ensures PAL Life Skills training is provided for each youth in conservatorship care who is age 16 years or older. Observes at least one core element per trainer per year for quality of services provided.
12. Complete Tuition and Fee Waiver Forms for youth.
13. Provide the employment preference form letter to qualifying youth when they are 18 years or when requested. Provide youth still in foster care with information about employment preference.
14. Assist case managers in case planning activities as it pertains to:
    1. identifying the youth’s transitional living needs and services to meet those needs,
    2. participating in individual case reviews with case managers; and
    3. participate in permanency conferences such as a Circle of Support for youth ages 16 and older to help youth with the development of their Child’s Plan of Service
15. Review data warehouse reports monthly.

Essential Qualifications

• Credentials/Licensure: Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Clearances: State Police, FBI, and Child Abuse Clearances; CPSL Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training per state regulation.

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Requires vision, speech, and hearing and a moderate to high level of physical activity including; sitting, standing, walking lifting and carrying as required. Must be able to meet the demands and complete Crisis Intervention & Prevention (CIP).
• Environmental Factors: Indoors/Outdoors: school, home, community
• Working Hours: Flexible non-traditional office hours; variable schedule based on program need.