Youth Connections Advocate - Washoe, NV

Openings & Location

Please note that this position is posted in multiple locations. We are only hiring one person who will be working with key members and clients in Washoe, Nevada. Applicants must be residing in Nevada at the time of employment.

What You Will Be Doing

In this position, you will be focusing your efforts on finding permanent homes for youth, especially those hardest to place, in the foster care system. It begins with learning about the youth on your case load, thoroughly reviewing their history, and listening to their needs. Then, it's about problem solving, advocacy, and finding past and current connections of the youth to help them find stability in their lives and raise their future.

Who We Are

We believe that every young person deserves to go through life knowing they have a caring adult by their side. So, every day, we show up for kids in foster care by listening to their needs and introducing them to adults they can rely on. We then surround those connections with support so that they grow into meaningful, lasting relationships that help our youth heal from the past. Because to truly raise the future, we must raise the bar for what it means to support vulnerable youth and families as they navigate life. That's what Raise the Future is all about.

What You Will Get to Learn

In this position, you will expand your knowledge of the child welfare system, learn about the dynamics of trauma with children and youth, and build upon your experience in advocacy. As a Youth Connections Advocate, you will also learn and implement the Dave Thomas Foundation's Wendy's Wonderful Kids child-focused recruitment model that is child-focused and evidence-based in helping youth achieve permanency.

Who We Are Seeking

The successful candidate is determined - driven by a purpose to achieve outcomes. We are also looking for someone who has a passion for finding connections for youth, and who is not shy. You must be an advocate for yourself and youth. This position is best suited for someone who is hard working and loves problem solving. Puzzle masters are welcome!

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree, preferably in social work or other related field (although a master's degree is better), and at least one year of experience working with older youth, preferably working in the child welfare system. This includes working with CASA, the judicial system, probation, department of human services, foster care, group homes, day treatment programs, or mental health. See Qualifications below for additional details.

What You Will Be Able To Accomplish

As a Youth Connections Advocate, you will be building a network of supportive connections in the lives of children and youth, with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve legal permanency. In doing so, you will be raising the future for youth.

You Get to Work With

You will join our diverse team of Youth Connection Advocates who are like-minded in their passion to make a difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care -- working closely with various stakeholders from multiple disciplines, including community leaders, CASA employees, case workers, attorneys, therapists, youth, judges, and more.

Serious candidates should submit a cover letter.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience working within child welfare, including CASA, courts, probation, department of human services, foster care, group home, day treatment program, or mental health.

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field.

• General computer literacy required. Microsoft Office Suite and experience working within database (data mining) (preferred).

• Up to 50% travel is required, primarily within the state and occasionally out of state on a case-by-case basis. Most travel will involve driving. Candidates must have reliable transportation and be eligible for driver insurance. A full list of driver qualifications can be found here: Driver Qualifications.

• Ability and willingness to travel with flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong working relationships with diverse populations, including public agency staff.

• Willingness to engage in cold calling.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Have a Master’s degree in social work (or related field) with preference given for experience in child welfare or foster care adoption.
• A Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human service field and a minimum of two years’ adoption experience may be substituted for a Master’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Previous working experience with adoption or child welfare.

• Expertise in providing family support services.

• Knowledgeable regarding impact of trauma and trauma-informed practices.

What We Offer

As a nonprofit organization, we are mission driven, and our employees are highly engaged in the work they do. The best reward is when our efforts payoff and our youth find lasting connections with an adult.

We offer a great culture and a full benefits package too. We value the need for work life balance offering four (4) weeks of PTO, 10+ paid holidays per year, plus much more -- that's 30 paid days off per year! Our benefits include:

• Health Insurance

• Dental & vision insurance

• 100% Paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and childcare

• Health Savings Accounts

• 401k with matching contributions & immediate vesting

• Flexible work arrangements available on case-by-case basis

• Employee Assistance Program

• Discount programs

• Paid Parental Leave

The hiring range for this position is $23.07 - 27.00 / hour

* Actual hiring range may vary based on qualifications and geographic location.