Direct Care Floater

Empowering Foster Youth

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.

About First Place for Youth: We're a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact: Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you'll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

Position Summary:

The Direct Care Floater is responsible for providing direct youth supportive service coverage during times a position is open and temporary staff leave. Floater staff will support Youth Advocate (Case Manager), Education and Employment Specialist, and Housing Specialist position to provide case management, skills development, assessment, crisis management and implementation of intervention strategies that directly support youth to build skills towards independent living. The Floater staff is active in developing, supporting and implementing an individualized, strength 'based, culturally competent, youth-centered approach. A successful Floater staff understands how to motivate, coach, and mentor young adults to achieve goals while transitioning into adult lives from the foster care system. The Direct Care Floater position is part of a pool authorized to work up to 29 hours per week when an assignment becomes available. No hours are guaranteed on an ongoing basis. and depends on the needs of the organization. After completing required training, individuals in this role will be contacted to fill in when scheduling needs or vacancies arise. This position also requires ongoing availability for onsite and community-based assignments during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Care and Interventions 35%

• In-residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines
• Provide direct care to an assigned caseload of youth in person, via video calls and via phone throughout the community.
• Support in developing goals and working towards goal obtainment in partnership with each youth.
• Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress towards goals.
• Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety and de-escalate crisis as needed.
• Provides direct support, coaching, mentoring and interventions to increase youth self-sufficiency and goal attainment.

Case Management/Coordination 35%

• Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, family members and significant others.
• Keeps key team members informed and Works with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters.
• Provided targeted support in assigned role:
1. Youth Advocate - healthy living and life skill development to support barrier removal for education and employment goals.
2. Education and Employment Specialist - develop career and education related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including post-secondary education planning.
3. Housing Specialist support housing team in maintaining units, completing service requests, turning units for move ins and move outs, and maintaining relationships with landlords.
• Collaborate with the other members of the youth team and supervisors/managers to ensure a team-based approach.

Documentation/Administrative Duties (30%)

• Completes documentation including but not limited to Care and Services plans, needs assessments, and progress notes.
• Ensures all needed paperwork and consents are completed for each client at time of entry.
• Participates in agency committee meetings as assigned.
• Completes on-going orientation and monthly training as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BA in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent required with Minimum two years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's Degree in a social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent preferred.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check
• Must have a car, a valid CA driver's license and auto insurance.
• Computer skills -- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems
• Strong communication Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future.