Youth & Family Engagement Specialist

Summary/Objective

Provide supervision, support, guidance and role modeling to the participants in the CFTSS program. Teach youth to achieve attainable functional and clinical goals regarding proper social behavior, coping skills, relationships, and education through CFTSS services. Each Youth and Family Engagement Specialist provides intensive family engagement and community support to the entire family to help prevent future crises. Upon discharge from the respite portion of the program, until an appropriate plan for success has been fully executed, Youth and Family Engagement Specialists provide Aftercare services.

Description

Provide supervision, support, guidance and role modeling to the participants in the CFTSS program. Teach youth to achieve attainable functional and clinical goals regarding proper social behavior, coping skills, relationships, and education through CFTSS services. Each Youth and Family Engagement Specialist provides intensive family engagement and community support to the entire family to help prevent future crises. Upon discharge from the respite portion of the program, until an appropriate plan for success has been fully executed, Youth and Family Engagement Specialists provide Aftercare services.

Essential Functions

• Community Service Providers-CFTSS provide direct services.
• Provides services aligning with current treatment plans.
• Provides regular updates to treatment team members.
• Provides assistance and support for each child and family.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with local schools and partner agencies.
• Works with CCJC and CHJC’s Foster Care Department for long-term planning and support of the families and children served.
• Represents the agency as a liaison with various private and public service providers and resource agencies.
• Attend all meetings and training programs, as recommended or required.
• Consistently enforce all agency rules, policies and procedures.
• Complete necessary documentation accurately and on time. Read necessary documentation.
• Help youth work through difficult situations by using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques taught by the agency (active listening, conflict resolution, intervention skills).
• Interact with youth using positive role modeling.
• Must remain alert and awake during shift.
• Immediately report to a supervisor any situation considered unsafe for the youth.
• React to change productively and handle duties, as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with all clients and families.
• Participate in individual Treatment Team meetings.
• Facilitate supported visitation between youth and families, during both the Respite and Aftercare phases of the Program.
• Identify and implement individualized activities to help youth, during both the Respite and Aftercare phases of the Program.
• A valid NYS driver’s license and ability to drive legally is required.

Special Requirements

Work Environment: Office environment will require occasional travel to recruitment events, local schools, community settings, conferences and/or meetings and moderate travel within the community to include off-site/in-home visits. May have contact with service recipients that are agitated and/or are in crisis. Some risk involved working with service recipients with mental illness. Works in an office setting with a controlled temperature environment. Occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions may occur depending upon assignments.

Equipment: This position is required to maintain a working knowledge of related office equipment including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, climb, bend, and stoop. Must be able to perform fine motor skills, read, and type. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

Part‑Time, up to 30 hours per week, day/evening/overnight shifts, weekends may be required. Work schedules may vary weekly depending on the needs of the Agency.

Travel

Travel is required throughout service area (Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawerence County).

Required Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Sciences or related field preferred. Two years of experience with mental health or children’s mental and behavioral health and addictions required. Prior experience working with youth‑at‑risk or related youth work preferred.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Strong organizational abilities and office skills are essential for this position. This person must also have excellent people skills and be a team player. Ability to work with diverse populations. Must demonstrate effective and excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Must be detail‑oriented and possess excellent time‑management skills. Requires self‑direction, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to be clear, courteous, and professional. Able to react to change productively and handle other duties as assigned.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Successful completion of routine pre‑employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, Covid‑19 vaccination or exemption, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States. A Valid NYS (New York State) driver’s license required. Mandated Reporter Certification and Corporate Compliance Training will be required following date of hire.