Youth Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Youth Specialist

Location: Columbia, MO

Department: Youth Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

Join our passionate team and make a meaningful impact on youth and young adults, especially those in foster care. As a Youth Specialist, you'll support their journey towards independent living, employment, and personal growth. You will provide services and financial assistance to current and former foster youth, conducting activities based on their individualized plans.

Columbia, Missouri, offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty, a thriving university campus, and a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment.

The Youth Specialist position offers…

• All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package

• A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, and more

• Telemedicine

• 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visits

• Employee Assistance Program

• 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost

• Paid Time Off

• 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay

• Workplace Culture

• An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement

Key Responsibilities:

• Treat all youth, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect

• Collaborate with Family Support Teams to create and update service plans using SNAP principles

• Assist youth in overcoming obstacles to independent living, employment, education, and social connections

• Facilitate the development of individualized service plans and contribute to the Individualized Action Plan (IAP)

• Establish supportive relationships with assigned youth and provide active services tied to their goals

• Develop strategies, lessons, and curriculum to facilitate youth in achieving their goals

• Serve as a community resource specialist, providing information on available resources

• Facilitate mentoring opportunities and permanent connections with adults in the community

• Provide assistance with employment and financial information training (budgeting, saving, bill paying, etc.)

• Transport youth as needed to achieve their goals

• Solicit in-kind services and donations to support youth in reaching their goals

• Chaperone and facilitate meetings for State and Local Youth Advisory Boards

• Complete data entry, visit logs, progress reporting, and other documentation as required

• Advocate for youth with their support teams, community, employers, and other stakeholders

• Promote the organization and services through community events, collaboration, and public speaking

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field is preferred

• Experience in foster care, education, employment services, case management, or social services is preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills

• Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, internet platforms)

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Understanding of supporting youth with barriers to employment and independent living

Employment Requirements:

• Current driver's license and current auto insurance

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Supported Living and Employment Services is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.