Youth Specialist

Position : MARE Youth Specialist

Status : Full-Time Non-Exempt (Hybrid)- *Michigan Candidates ONLY*

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Job Summary

The MARE ( Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange ) Youth Specialist is responsible for supporting youth in foster care as they navigate the adoption and permanency process. This role focuses on engaging youth amplifying their voices and helping them actively participate in planning for their future.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensuring youth engagement and participation in all MARE activities and services.
• Schedule and attend MARE Youth recruitment video shoots in coordination with community partners
• Attend MARE youth recruitment video shoots as needed
• Plan and conduct the quarterly MARE Youth Advisory Board meetings
• Work as a team to produce quarterly Youth newsletters and quarterly recruitment periodicals
• Attend Meet and Greets and other recruitment events
• Perform inquiry checks and follow ups prior to youth attendance at Meet and Greets
• Follow up on youth surveys and inquiries from Meet and Greet events
• Participate in the Adoption Oversight Committee as needed to report on Youth Advisory Board findings
• Follow up with adoption workers on specialized youth needs such as youth nearing 18 AWOL youth and youth with other recruitment delays.
• Coordinate prepare and attend Teen Spotlight recruitment events.
• Assist in all other areas of MARE as needed
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and meet job requirements
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to creatively coordinate and facilitate Youth Board meetings and agendas
• Ability to work with others to produce quarterly youth newsletter
• Ability to assist with selection of youth for Heart Gallery
• Excellent organizational skills
• Maintain contact with DHHS and adoption service providers throughout Michigan
• Knowledge of adoption policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain contract compliance
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Cultural competence

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in the human services field and one year experience in adoption or 3 years experience in child welfare.
• Excellent and positive communication and engagement skills
• Experience with facilitating groups and providing trainings
• Computer/technology skills
• Excellent organization skills
• Ability to relate to MDHHS personnel the courts and other service providers and community members
• The ability to work a flexible schedule as needed
• Ability to travel/work statewide as necessary
• A valid Michigan drivers license
• Central Registry Clearance documenting that there is no record of child abuse or neglect.
• Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and a National and State

Working Conditions

• Office environment
• Position requires occasional evening and weekend hours and travel throughout Michigan

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Central Registry Clearance Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and National/State Sex Offender Registry check.

Judson Center is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race ethnicity color religion national origin age gender disability marital status height weight veteran status sexual orientation pregnancy childbirth hair texture or style or other classifications established by law. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment hiring compensation benefits training termination promotions or any other condition of employment or career development

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of a person so classified. The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and perform other duties as assigned for the good of the consumers the program the department and the agency.

Required Experience:

IC