Job Description
Other - Full-time
The Life Skills Specialist is primarily responsible for preparing refugee foster care youth as they proceed toward Semi-Independent Living through the development of individualized treatment plans, goal setting, teaching of independent living skills, and preparation for employment. This individual is also responsible for providing these services to youth who are currently in Semi independent living as they proceed toward emancipation and self-sufficiency.
This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop individualized treatment plans for refugee youth in program;
- Assist youth in exploring post-secondary educational opportunities including but not limited to applying for college or vocational school, applying for financial aid, and applying for Refugee Education and Training Vouchers (ETV);
- Effectively work with clients to provide employment support services;
- Conduct individual and group trainings in daily living skills to include but not limited to budgeting, banking, building and maintaining credit, community involvement, interpersonal relationships, and goal setting;
- Effectively work with clients to create an awareness of their rights and responsibilities;
- Assist case manager and clients in maintaining living arrangements by providing short term support to youth struggling with independent living skills, academic or vocational goals while assisting them in becoming self-sufficient;
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and submit written reports on client contacts in a timely manner based on guidelines and procedures set forth;
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with community resources and employers;
- Create, update and maintain a record of community and partner resources;
- Document case contacts while reporting attendance and progress to the referring case worker routinely;
- Meet bi-weekly with supervisor to consult on cases, review case plans, and evaluate client participation and progress;
- Attend internal and external trainings and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
- Keep abreast of community resources and refer clients for support, as needed;
- Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, or related field of study from an accredited college;
- Prior experience working with refugee youth, preferred;
- Bi-lingual: English/Spanish or other indigenous languages of program participants, preferred;
- Demonstrated crisis intervention skills;
- Demonstrated temperament to work and care for refugee youth from various cultural backgrounds;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
- Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
- Active motor vehicle license and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment.