Permanency Specialist-Independent Living-Aftercare

• Independent Living Aftercare PS position provides direct services support to APPLA youth that are close to transitioning out of care as well as those already in the aftercare period to assist them in life skills development, accessing community resources to meet their individual needs, and promoting a successful transition from foster care. The Permanency Specialist- Aftercare position can also provide support to the IL case teams with needs of their youth still in OOH care.
• Participates in case transfer staffing.
• Develops and implements an aftercare plan with youth.
• Supports aftercare plan goals through teaching, role modeling and demonstration.
• Facilitates and coordinates youth led meetings- Assess youth’s aftercare plan, assist with the decision-making process, establish network and support of youth.
• Attend exit/benefit meetings and complete aftercare contact agreement.
• Assist youth in accessing community resources such as housing, employment, education (high school or college), technical schools, job skill development and financial understanding (budgeting).
• Support in accessing community resources for needs such as food, clothing and emergency shelter.
• Limited transportation resources and services.
• Support to address mental health and physical health needs and substance abuse issues.
• Assistance in obtaining important personal documents and setting up checking/savings accounts.
• Collaboration and communication between youth, DCF IL staff, aftercare SFM staff and other community partners to ensure resources are being used efficiently and effectively.
• Complete monthly reports and maintain data tracking and CMS case tracking.  
• Completes and maintains written documentation in youth’s case record accurately and within established time frames.
• Participates in supervisory and team meetings, sharing pertinent information about youth’s progress, critical trends, barriers, and solutions to achieving outcomes; and relationships with other agencies/communities.
• Participate in weekly group or individual supervision.
• Works collaboratively and provides assistance to Independent Living case teams.
• Supervises and transports children and families as needed by Independent Living teams.
• Reports critical incidents to DCF verbally within 12 hours, written within 24 hours.
• Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies, and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms.
• Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.
• Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels.
• Ensures clients’ rights are protected.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Mandated reporter
• Receives training in trauma informed practice and incorporates knowledge in day-to-day practice.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including on-call.
• Understanding of family centered practice, genograms, ecomaps, and social histories.
• Understanding of the child welfare and state system
• Ability to engage families in working relationships.
• Understanding of child and adolescent development
• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel throughout the State.
• Consistently exercises discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Handles multiple priorities.
• Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.
• Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure.
• Manages stress appropriately.
• Works alone effectively.
• Works near others and/or in a distracting environment
• Works with others effectively/teamwork
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Understands and practices Universal Precautions

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years of age
• Must pass a drug screen, MVR, KBI, Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance check and an Adult Registry check
• FBI Fingerprint Check
• Lifting requirements of 50 lbs.
• Must have valid driver's license, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS

            Bachelor's degree in social work or human services related degree from an accredited college or university

CLIENT POPULATION SERVED

• Demonstrates competence and continues training in age-specific competencies for infant through adult clients