Youth and Young Adult Advocate

Position Description

Department History Overview

Harris County Resources for Children and Adults was founded in 1966 as the Harris County Child Welfare Board to provide support services for children taken under the wing of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Fifty years later, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults still provides this support. But the now-county department has expanded services for early prevention, intervention, and adult services.

Vision:

To better the lives of children and adults in Harris County.

Brief

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Project/Program Supervisor, the Youth & Young Adult Advocate provides intensive case management services to youth currently and formerly in foster care; between the ages of 16 through 20 years old, in a 13-county region.

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Provide intensive case management to address current and former foster youths' transitional needs by engaging in program intakes, case planning, self-sufficiency assessments, internal/external referrals, wraparound meetings, and face-to-face contact with clients on a consistent basis (minimum of quarterly basis).

* Submits referrals to assist youth in acquiring additional transitional services (housing, mental health, physical health, education, employment, transition coaching (mentorship), etc.) and annual events and programs (educational and job training programs and HAY Center events) from internal programs, partnering agencies, and community resources.

* Completes weekly and monthly case management reports as required by the PAL contract and submits to the direct supervisor within a required time frame.

* Enters all required documentation in the agency case management database within a required time frame and maintains adequate case files and financial records.

* Submits requests for payment for youths who qualify for financial assistance to include senior expenses, college preparation expenses, bus cards, rental assistance, utility payments, food cards, and checks/reimbursements for other approved expenses.

* Participates in HAY Center events and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) statewide and regional activities as required.

* Assist with Casey Life Skills assessment and Life Skills Training as needed.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Employment Opportunity Plan .aspx

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Requirements

Education & Experience:

* Bachelor's degree majoring in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or other Behavioral or Social Science field from an accredited college or university

* Two (2) years of full-time paid case management (including case documentation) experience working with youth in a social service setting

Licensure:

* Reliable transportation with a valid State of Texas driver's license and auto liability insurance.

* Ability to become CPR certified.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

* Knowledge and understanding of adolescent/transition age youth stages of development.

* Follows written and oral instructions.

* Possesses excellent organizational skills.

* Must be detail-oriented and self-motivated.

* Must interact with all levels of staff.

* Have excellent oral and written communication skills.

* Problem-solve and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

* Works with limited supervision and independently in a fast-paced environment.

* Maintains confidentiality.

* Interacts and maintains professional working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

* Exercises flexibility, tact, and diplomacy

* Ability to drive 15-passenger van.

NOTE:

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

* Full-time | Grant-funded

* Monday -- Friday 8:00 a.m.

-- 5:00 p.m. OR Monday -- Friday 9:00 a.m.

-- 6:00 p.m. (Some Saturdays)

Sal…