SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Youth LifeSet Specialist implement the

LifeSet model, which addresses the needs

of young people 17-22 who are transitioning out of foster care and need

individualized skill development and support to transition successfully into

adulthood. The Specialist supports youth obtain and maintain safe and suitable

housing, continue their education, learn independent living skills, obtain and

maintain employment, build a support system, and remain free from legal

involvement.

LifeSet

Model Components include:

Low caseloads- each specialist works with 8-10 youth.Community-based- specialists meet with young people wherever it is best for them (e.g. home, school, community).Intensive- minimum of one face to face session per week; 24/7 on call.Systemic approach- incorporates multiple aspects of the youth’s natural ecology (e.g. community, peers, family, and school).Time-limited (9-12 months) - youth driven services with program completion dictated by youth demonstrating new skills and stability and success achieving youth-identified goals.  Comprehensive- addressing the full range of a youth’s needs and goals (e.g. academic, career, housing, relationships).

The Specialist

provides individual services to 8-10 youth in the home and community setting to

assist the youth transition to adulthood.

The Specialist meets a minimum of one time per week face to face with

the youth and provides additional support via phone, text, or in person as

needed.  When indicated, the Specialist

may see a youth daily to ensure safety and stability.  Additionally, the LifeSet Specialist is

directly responsible for all interventions associated with the youth and their

family.  This includes case management

and collaboration with external key stakeholders and referral sources, such as

probation, child welfare workers, therapists, etc. The Specialist conducts

ongoing assessment of the youth’s needs from a strength-focused, solution-based

perspective, and develops service plans on a monthly basis. The Specialist also

documents all service contacts with the youth (within 7 days of contact).  The Specialist attends all meetings related

to the youth and/or family with the purpose of gathering information specific

to intervention development and advocating in the best interest of the youth’s long-term

stability.  The Specialist is on call

24/7 and expected to respond in person at any time when it is determined to be

necessary. In addition, the Specialist attends and actively participates in

individual and team supervision sessions and trainings. The Specialist is

expected to adhere to all ethical and legal guidelines, including

confidentiality and mandated reporting

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment

opportunity employer.

Qualifications - External

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s

Degree with one year related experience.

Experience working in Education, Foster Care and within the community setting (preferred)Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, a strong sense of empathy towards our populations served, and a passion for the field of child welfare.Ability to respond to the unique developmental needs of youth in different stages of maturation.Ability to work with youth that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, different cultural backgrounds, and varying socioeconomics statuses.Ability to be flexible with schedule (including potential evenings and week-ends) that will revolve around needs of youth Ability to work competently, compassionately, and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or who may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.Strong time management skills, diligence, resilience, and experience working in a unit or team.Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.  Experience with CONNECTIONS preferred.Valid NYS Driver’s License preferred.Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services.