Summary of Position
The purpose of the Older Youth Readiness Program is to: 1. help youth in foster care establish safe and meaningful connections to relationships lost while in foster care; 2. link youth with meaningful resources; and 3. establish new opportunities to help youth transition out of foster care and into successful and healthy adults. The program assists youth age 13 – 24 with navigating and obtaining access to the relevant services necessary to achieve well-being. Youth guide the service plan process which directs the pathway to develop strong relationships with the goal of achieving interdependence.
The Older Youth Readiness Navigator helps the youth and caregiver drive the service plan to completion by navigating systems and overcoming barriers. The Navigator acts as care coordination consultant, collaborating with and organizing multiple systems tailored to the youth’s specific plan.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Navigates systems (family and community, mental health services, life skills, disability services, and more)
- Facilitates decision-making and communications within and between systems.
- Initiates difficult discussions.
- Provides wraparound services by cultivating and networking with resource and referral services and supports within the community.
- Understands relevant policy and has a high comfort level researching gaps in knowledge
- Directs families and professionals through case-based advocacy situations
- Respects and demonstrates understanding for differences including the ability to interact effectively with individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability and socioeconomic status.
- Receives and responds to training, coaching, supervision, and feedback; works well in team setting
- Responds to communication from families and professionals in a timely manner.
- Visits with the child and family in-home or in the community to address concerns that relate to placement stability.
- Participates in team and agency meetings and/or individual professional consultations; Majority of these meetings should be attended in person.
- See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
Experience
- Proven ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.
- Practical knowledge navigating the child welfare, mental health, physical health, housing, and workforce development systems are preferred.
- Demonstrated skill providing inclusive, trauma-informed support to youth impacted by foster care.