FOSTER CARE - YOUTH LIFESET SPECIALIST
: Job Details :

SCO's Forward Journey Initiative, the Youth LifeSet Specialist implement theLifeSet model, which addresses the needsof young people 17-22 who are transitioning out of foster care and needindividualized skill development and support to transition successfully intoadulthood. The Specialist supports youth obtain and maintain safe and suitablehousing, continue their education, learn independent living skills, obtain andmaintain employment, build a support system, and remain free from legalinvolvement.LifeSetModel Components include:Low caseloads- each specialist works with 8-10 youth.Community-based- specialists meet with young people wherever it is best for them (e.g. home, school, community).Intensive- minimum of one face to face session per week; 24/7 on call.Systemic approach- incorporates multiple aspects of the youth's natural ecology (e.g. community, peers, family, and school).Time-limited (9-12 months) - youth driven services with program completion dictated by youth demonstrating new skills and stability and success achieving youth-identified goals. Comprehensive- addressing the full range of a youth's needs and goals (e.g. academic, career, housing, relationships).The Specialistprovides individual services to 8-10 youth in the home and community setting toassist the youth transition to adulthood.The Specialist meets a minimum of one time per week face to face withthe youth and provides additional support via phone, text, or in person asneeded. When indicated, the Specialistmay see a youth daily to ensure safety and stability. Additionally, the LifeSet Specialist isdirectly responsible for all interventions associated with the youth and theirfamily. This includes case managementand collaboration with external key stakeholders and referral sources, such asprobation, child welfare workers, therapists, etc. The Specialist conductsongoing assessment of the youth's needs from a strength-focused, solution-basedperspective, and develops service plans on a monthly basis. The Specialist alsodocuments all service contacts with the youth (within 7 days of contact). The Specialist attends all meetings relatedto the youth and/or family with the purpose of gathering information specificto intervention development and advocating in the best interest of the youth's long-termstability. The Specialist is on call24/7 and expected to respond in person at any time when it is determined to benecessary. In addition, the Specialist attends and actively participates inindividual and team supervision sessions and trainings. The Specialist isexpected to adhere to all ethical and legal guidelines, includingconfidentiality and mandated reportingSCO Family of Services is an equal employmentopportunity employer.Qualifications - ExternalMaster's Degree or Bachelor'sDegree with one year related experience.Experience working in Education, Foster Care and within the community setting (preferred)Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, a strong sense of empathy towards our populations served, and a passion for the field of child welfare.Ability to respond to the unique developmental needs of youth in different stages of maturation.Ability to work with youth that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, different cultural backgrounds, and varying socioeconomics statuses.Ability to be flexible with schedule (including potential evenings and week-ends) that will revolve around needs of youth Ability to work competently, compassionately, and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or who may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.Strong time management skills, diligence, resilience, and experience working in a unit or team.Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with CONNECTIONS preferred.Valid NYS Driver's License preferred.Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services.