Community Connections Youth Project Specialist

Job Title: Community Connections Specialist

Travel Requirements: Moderate

Status: Full Time

Supervisor: Youth Program Supervisor

Location: Jefferson City

Direct Reports: 0

ABOUT CMFCAA

The Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association is a not-for-profit agency that educates, supports, and advocates for foster, adoptive, & kinship children, youth, & families in central Missouri by offering services & partnering with community & governmental agencies to develop healthy & self-sufficient individuals & families.

Founded in 2007 by a former foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents, the CMFCAA is a community service organization that provides for the needs of foster, adoptive, kinship, and guardianship youth and families. What began as a small support group has grown into a multifaceted organization that provides direct support, education, services and advocacy to foster and adoptive families in a 24-county central Missouri region.

Currently, we are assisting over 640 foster families, over 1400 foster children, over 400 adopted children in our service area. Our goal is to be a support to the families, children and youth in this area, and we work tirelessly to provide much needed services to them.

Position Summary

The Community Connections Specialist provides one-on-one services to young adults who are/were in the foster care system to assist in determining goals for successful adulthood, including educational, occupational, health care, and social connection goals.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Follow requirements and policies of agency, contracts, state regulations and COA standards.
• Complete assessments, client narratives, actions plans, and any other documentation requirements in a timely manner and within stated guidelines.
• Ensure all required items are retained and filed to meet policies.
• Meet at least monthly with clients to track progress towards goal completion and maintain regular communication and contact with clients and support teams.
• Provide advocacy and support for all clients.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings, court hearings, and trainings.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of client contact and progress in SAM. Documentation should occur within two (2) days of contact.
• Assist in collecting information from caregivers and case managers to expand clients support system and family connections.
• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e. attend meetings as assigned).
• Maintain strong, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience in Foster Care or Kinship Care (preferred but not required).
• Bachelors Degree in social work or in related human services field (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Outstanding organizational and planning skills. Candidate will be tested during interview process.
• Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for foster and adoptive families.
• The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.
• Work as a necessary part of a team effort with colleagues of all demographics.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.
• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.

• Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.
• Must have a valid drives license

Compensation and Benefits

• Health insurance premiums covered at 90/10
• Dental and Vision premiums covered at 100%
• Aflac (optional)
• 25K employer paid Life Insurance plan
• 3% Match of a Simple IRA (after qualifying time period)
• Paid time off
• Mileage reimbursement at federal rate
• Usage of Company Vehicle (provided complete and clear driving background has been submitted)