What is Youth Villages?
Youth Villages has been a national leader in the adoption and implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services.
If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.
ResponsibilitiesPosition Summary
This position includes engaging social services agencies to identify youth where family finding is needed; and to gather materials for a strong assessment of the family and community. Once connections are found, the specialist contacts them to determine interest and appropriateness for connecting with the child and serving as a resource or support. The Specialist then works to support youth in developing meaningful connections, strengthening their sense of identity, and assessing the living arrangements to be safe and preventing re-entry into the foster care system.
Additionally, the Specialist will have responsibilities related to engaging community and DCFS stakeholders to establish high levels of communication and collaboration.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
Conducts a viable family searchConducts family assessmentsContacts any biological relatives or other adult kinship or fictive kinMeets with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) case workers to gather verbal and written information about youth and familiesContacts previous or current mental health and/or physical health providers to gather pertinent information about the youth/family that is vital to comprehensive careContacts previous or current educational institutionsMeets regularly with the agency leadershipEffectively manages and navigates through family search enginesImplements indicated assessment toolsBuild positive relationships with DCFS and others, pursuing case referrals through family finding workEstablish relationships with key community providers including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health centers, school groups, community groups, juvenile court personnel, human services workers, and social workersRespond to customer service needs and monitor customer satisfactionMaintain ongoing contact with key referral sources QualificationsRequirements
A Bachelor's degree in social services discipline with experience working with at-risk youth, adults, or families is requiredA Master's degree in a social services discipline is preferredDegrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualificationsStrong organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision401(k)2 weeks paid vacation12 paid sick days per year11 paid holidaysPaid Parental LeaveMileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervisionGrowth & development through continuous trainingClinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
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