Youth & Family Specialist

Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofitsin New England and one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Work Location:
Hybrid

• Demonstrate a human centered, strength-based, and trauma informed philosophy by treating all clients, families and collaterals in a non-judgmental and respectful manner while building on their strengths.
• Provide clinical case management working in multiple systems and settings providing services to foster children, foster families and biological families
• Undertake the responsibility of “on-call” duty as assigned and is responsive to crises independently either by phone and/or in person, demonstrating a calm and professional approach while assuring safety for all involve
• Facilitate treatment meetings/ foster care review, and invites the appropriate attendees, while ensuring effective interagency collaboration
• Depending on level of training, provides group and/or individual counseling and coaching services, mediation and guidance to children and their biological and/or foster families

• Support and participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans for program-specific foster care recruitment in conjunction with foster care recruitment across the Children and Families Service.
• Participate in “matching process” and prepares foster parents for their work with the child/youth and family of origin
• Recruit qualified foster homes on a continuous basis to meet the growing and challenging needs of clients
• Develop and maintain expertise regarding regulatory requirements for foster parent qualification and renewal including record checks, evaluations and updating of file materials
• Complete all documentation required by state licensing regulations in a timely manner, including but not limited to home studies, background checks , annual foster care review and waivers

• Document all contacts and incidents and ensure files are up to date
• Develop and complete assessments/home studies, service plans/treatment plans, progress notes and any other necessary documentation
• Provide updates to the court both in writing and in person
• Maintain organized up to date case/foster care files in accordance with contractual standards, state and federal law

• NH - bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field with 2 years' experience working with children and/or families.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Candidates who are selected for hire must successfully complete all required background checks before starting their employment.

Significant experience working with children with social/emotional/physical problems desirable. Mediation and conflict resolution skills helpful.

• Ability to work flexible hours and be available to meet for emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently by setting priorities; organizing resources and effectively performing tasks in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, protocols and/or procedures.
• Ability to travel to meet client needs.

We prioritize our employees’ wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, for those who qualify, and a supportive workplace culture where all are encouraged and empowered to drive change, make a difference, and enjoy life outside of…