PAL Specialist; Preparation for Adult

Description Position Function

The PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Specialist is responsible for providing support to youth who are transitioning to adulthood from Foster Care.

Position may interact with parents, guardians, and conservators as well as to youth with behavioral problems, including possible physical aggression. A personal vehicle is required for travel. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must meet agency underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and/or transporting clients.

The Preparation for Adult Living Specialist will have access to confidential records including youth files, foster care and adoption records, and foster parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.

• Maintain high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics.
• A commitment to empowering others to solve their problems.
• Value a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
• A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
• The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers and professionals.
• The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• The ability to set appropriate limits.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with the agency leave policy.

• Assess the need for placement, safety, family strengths and needs, and placement resources for the youth.
• Plans for and facilitates permanency and assists caregivers in providing a safe, nurturing environment for youth in their care.
• Maintains a close working relationship with public and private agencies involved in providing independent living services/support.
• Conducts and coordinates assessments.
• Plans and coordinates events for youth in care.
• Assists and coordinates transition planning for youth moving from foster care to adulthood.
• Ensures the accuracy, content and completeness of youth/family case records.
• Utilizing best practices standards, coordinates independent living services and requirements with public and private agencies.
• Provides crisis intervention, when required.
• Supports the After-Care Specialist in ensuring follow-up support services are accomplished when permanency is achieved.
• Compiles monthly statistical data and reports and forwards to appropriate agencies.
• Completes documentation and forwards reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
• Coordinates with staff from external public and private agencies, on the delivery of services to youth and families.
• The ability to understand and assist with the role changes that occur in foster and kinship care.
• The ability to counsel regarding issues of separation and loss for the youth, family, and caregiver.
• A commitment to a youth’s right to belong to a family.
• A commitment to preserving, whenever possible, a youth’s connection to the family of origin.
• A commitment to reunifying a youth with his/her biological family.

• Attend continuing education necessary to expand knowledge and maintain certifications or licenses.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor and seek supervision when appropriate.
• Participate in and sometimes conduct in-service training.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred but not required.

At least two years in the…