Location: Lincoln,NE, USA
Overview
Reports To: Program Director
Classification: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday 40hr/week; flexible as needed
Rate of Pay: $21.00/hour
About CEDARS
At CEDARS, our mission is to help children achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. For over 75 years, thousands of kids and families have found refuge and a new beginning at CEDARS. As one of Nebraska's most trusted human service organizations, we make sure that kids feel safe and secure. At the same time, we're giving parents, foster families, and partnering agencies the support they need to care effectively for kids.
Diversity
At CEDARS, we embrace diversity, and we know the journey towards belonging never ends. Click (here) to learn more about our journey.
Job Summary
The Prevention Specialist establishes enduring relationships with clients and coordinates prevention services on behalf of vulnerable youth and/or families, including but not limited to networking with community partners to coordinate access to and engagement with services.
Through the development and coordination of partnerships with youth and young adult service providers, the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) - Prevention Demonstration Program (PDP) 1) identifies young people at risk of experiencing homelessness; 2) designs and develops a comprehensive community-based prevention plan to prevent youth homelessness; and 3) implements robust, holistic prevention services tailored for youth and young adults to respond to the diverse needs of youth who are at risk of homelessness and their families.
Responsibilities
* Coordinate with existing prevention services to establish a collaborative network of support.
* Responsible for outreach and marketing on CEDARS behalf throughout the community in an effort to identify and engage youth and/or families as well as provide education on our prevention programs.
* Respond to inquiry and referral calls within a timely manner and connect vulnerable families to prevention services by assessing family needs to guide appropriate referrals.
* In cooperation with collaborating parties, assist with assessing the needs of the client and/or household and assist with appropriate screenings and referrals.
* Provide advocacy to facilitate a voice and choice for clients.
* Conduct and coordinate assessments, develop care plans, and provide case management in collaboration with youth and/or families.
* Serve as a resource for youth and families and be knowledgeable about internal services as well as services and resources available within the community.
* When applicable, convene, participate in, and facilitate team meetings ensuring natural supports and needed professionals participate.
* Facilitation of programming to enhance self-sufficiency skills and employable of youth participants.
* Lifting and moving furniture as client needs dictate. This can occur as clients vacate and/or move into an apartment upon discharge or intake.
* Provide crisis response and assist in securing emergency services.
* Responsible for collecting and completing all applicable documentation.
* Participate in staff meetings, training and case coordination with internal and external providers as assigned by the supervisor.
* Participate in on-going professional development by attending pertinent continuing education workshops and courses.
* Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
* Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS.
* Ensure client confidentiality and promote ethical practices and maintain professional boundaries.
Job Skills / Requirements
* Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field.
* 2 years of experience working with children and families is preferred.
* Ability to effectively engage a wide range of referral sources, youth, families, and partners.
* A genuine interest in and concern for all youth and families.
* Equitable service delivery and sensitivity to characteristics of underserved clients.
* Ability to work with other professionals in the organization and the community.
* Ability to represent CEDARS in a positive and professional manner.
* Verbal communication skills are satisfactory to build rapport and give feedback.
* Valid Nebraska driver's license and a good driving record.
Education Requirements (Any)
Bachelor's Degree Required
Associate's Degree Required
Additional Information / Benefits
As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:
* medical, dental, and vision coverages
* flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts
* personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays
* retirement plan with 5% company match
* life & long-term disability insurance
* employee assistance program
* wellness and engagement program
* early childhood childcare discount
* opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired
* shift differentials for certain shifts worked and holidays
* mileage reimbursement
* extensive training and professional development opportunities
Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Long Term Disability, 401K/403b Plan, Childcare Discount
This is a Full-Time position
Number of Openings for this position: 1