SUMMARY

Provide successful partnering and collaborationwithVirginia’s local departments of social services and other private child welfare agencies to meet federal and stateguidelineswhich support services and promote permanency for older youth in and transitioning out of the foster care system.

Provide the necessary training, tools, and technical assistance to local departments of social services and other private child welfare agencies to enhance their skills, improve their effectiveness, and impact systemic changes when serving youth in and transitioning out of foster care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide coaching, technical assistance,and support to adults and youth ages 14-23 around Virginia’s Independent Living Program toensurefederal and state requirements are being met to help youth prepare for adulthood. 

Provide best practice approaches to assist youth and adults working with youth in achieving permanency through connections with caring adults, their community, and overall interdependent connections. 

Collaborate with local departments of social services to improve National Youth in Transition Database(NYTD) federal requirements by providing training to youth and professionals, and offering technical assistance as it relates to NYTD. 

Partner and collaborate with the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Resource Family Specialists and others as needed on assigned projects to impact the successful transition of youth from foster care.

Assist in planning and carrying out Virginia Statewide Youthconferences. 

Provide training and technical assistance,resources, and tools to assigned local departments of social services Regional Specialists and other stakeholders on Permanency for Older Youth, Virginia’s Independent Living Program, the Education and Training Vouchers Program, the National Youth and Transition Database, Casey Life Skills Assessment tool, and Credit Checks for Older Youth.

Provide local, regional, and statewide learning opportunities to youth and young adults on topics including but not limited to: permanency, life skill development, leadership, and advocacy.

Present regionally at identified meetings, represent the program to professional organizations and community groups regarding assigned programs.

Implement appropriate project evaluation and reporting mechanisms, assist with the revision of program objectives and evaluation criteria.

Must be able to frequently travel and drive to department of social services sites, regional and other pertinent meetings, conferences and youth events. Some travel will involve overnight stay and long distances. Staff may be required to work out of assigned regional and/or satellite offices.

All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Competencies Required:

Knowledge of standards and requirements for assigned programs particularly as it pertains to Virginia’s Independent Living Program, Education and Training Vouchers Program, National Youth in Transition Database, and Casey Life Skills Assessment.

Directly supervise volunteer, staff, and youth at scheduled events and activities.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies affecting permanency and educational needs of older youth in foster care.

Knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, and guidelines relevant to clinical services and operations.

Knowledge of current issues pertaining to youth in foster care in relation to the juvenile justice system, education, substitute care providers, and group home operators.

Knowledge of research and development techniques in the field of education and social work as it pertains to youth in foster care.

Proven ability to speak publicly and train for large and small groups.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in social work or related discipline with 3 to 5 years related experience; a Master's degree is preferred. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, TRAININGS

Must have current valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and proof of automobile insurance coverage required. Multiple mandatory trainings are required dependent on position and program. Refer to UMFS Learning Institute plan.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting for extended periods of time daily; standing and walking short distances. Minimal twisting, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 20 pounds in the performance of assigned duties. Normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination required. Repeated hand-wrist movement required. Corrected vision to normal range; normal hearing and talking is required for verbal communications. Ability to use a variety of office equipment and machines as referenced. Driving short and long distances with overnight travel is frequent and necessary. Some weekend and evening work required. Good memory and recall is necessary for the accurate and timely transfer of data/information.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee may be required to work from home office or travel to an assigned regional/satellite office in their region to work. Office area provided with sufficient supportive equipment. Frequent travel required including overnight. Some weekend and evening work required. The noise level is usually moderate. This is a drug free environment. See Agency Employee Handbook, Substance Abuse, for clarification.