Child and Youth Family Specialist

Child and Youth Family Specialist

Key Information

Reports To: Family Stability Manager

Location: Maple Valley

Supervises: None

Key Relationships: Clients – Parents and Children, Case Manager(s), Volunteer Coordinator, Counselors, Volunteers, School Staff

Effective Date: February, 2022

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend hours

Job Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $21.00 – $24.00 per hour, DOE; 401(k) plan; medical, dental & vision benefits; PTO: vacation, personal time and sick time

Summary
The Child and Youth Family Specialist (CYFS) role is essential to establishing a healthy family dynamic where children and youth will heal by increasing confidence, self-esteem and the use of coping strategies in order to place them on the path to a future that is full of possibility. The CYFS works with parents to create and implement plans to access services that are required to reestablish stable mental health and set children and youth on a path for development and success academically, emotionally and physically. The CYFS works directly with homeless, and near-homeless, children and parents that have experienced trauma and adversity in order to improve family dynamics, build strong relationships, and ensure families leave homelessness forever.

This role is a foundational part of the success of vulnerable and homeless single parents reaching their goal of self-sufficiency and stable housing while in the program. Due to the homelessness crisis in King county, Vine Maple Place is expanding to serve more families in need.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular assessments of the youth’s overall age-appropriate development, focused on identifying their needs, strengths and goals, and tracking desired outcomes.
• Track, maintain and report the youth assessment data periodically. Develop and implement plans with parents, provide parenting skills training and track progress.
• Assist the parent in monitoring educational and developmental needs – working with school counselors and teachers to develop a plan, when needed. Provide tutoring and mentoring opportunities for children.
• Monitor ongoing program outcomes to ensure goals are being achieved and programs are effective. Recommend and collaborate with Program Director on program changes based on outcomes.
• Work closely with families to link and refer youth and families into service systems. Advocate on behalf of the youth to make sure critical needs are met within the family.

Participate in trauma-informed child and youth programming and one-on-one activities in order to help them develop skills needed to recover from adverse childhood experiences.

Train, develop and oversee a qualified volunteer team that supports program growth and stability for youth tutoring and mentoring programs that enables students to gain age-appropriate academic standing.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and agree with the Vine Maple Place Statement of Faith.

Be passionate about helping families overcome the trauma of homelessness.

Maintain an acceptable background check and ability to pass a drug test.

Solid understanding of Vine Maple Place’s mission and strategic plan.

Strong oral, written and interpersonal communications skills.

Ability to take initiative and exhibit flexibility, productively participating as part of the Children’s and Youth team to meet the needs of children and youth.

Strong knowledge of the stages in child development.

Possess the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Strong customer service orientation.

Sensitivity to the needs of children who are homeless, low income, limited English speaking, or impacted by domestic violence and substance abuse in the family unit.

Experience and Education
Degree in a related field.

Two (2) years of experience working with diverse and/or special needs populations.

Experience providing services to children, youth and families and an understanding of trauma, program services and associated referrals for treatment planning.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Possess a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and proof of insurance.

Computer skills: Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet navigation.

Able to work well with others in a collaborative and respectful manner.

Able to multi-task and deal with complexity on a frequent basis.

Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and confidentiality.

Ability to respond to common inquiries and complaints from clients.

Ability to effectively present information to supervisory and management groups.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Sensitivity to the needs of clients, staff, and volunteers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities or requirements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 – $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
All buildings are professionally cleaned and disinfected daily. COVID protocol is adhered to.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Maple Valley, WA 98038: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• with diverse or special needs: 2 years (Preferred)
• services for children: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location