Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title: PYA SPECIALIST

Reports To: FAIR FUTURES SUPERVISOR, ENHANCED FAMILY FOSTER CARE

Location: 7 West Burnside, Bronx, New York 10453

Hours: 35 Hours/Week; Exempt

Job Summary: The Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Specialist will work collectively with other interdisciplinary staff including Coaches, Housing Specialist, Education Specialist, Case Planner, and Career Development & College Specialist to provide necessary services and guidance to young people to achieve permanency and transition successfully into adulthood.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversight of all PYA related activities and trainings for youth 14 and older.
• Oversight of tracking sheets for Transition Plans for all youth 17 and older.
• Coordinate and facilitate 90-Day Transitional Discharge meetings.
• Plan and facilitate PYA workshops for young people pertaining to independent living skills monthly. PYA workshops include but are not limited to the following areas: preventive health & wellness, problem solving and accessing community resources, housing and budgeting, vocation and employment, educational support, forming and sustaining positive relationships.
• Conduct community outreach and establish relationships with service providers to foster youth development specific to preparing youth for adulthood.
• Coordinate and facilitate trainings for staff relative to PYA skills, Transition Plans, etc.
• Complete and submit monthly PYA and Discharge Checklists for youth 17 and older.
• Complete Daily Living Checklists with youth 17 and older.
• Maintain communication with ACS APPLA Program Evaluator and attend quarterly compliance meetings.
• Attend home visits as deemed necessary to engage participants.
• Initiate and maintain effective liaisons with community organizations and service providers to advance youth development goals.
• Maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with young people ages 16 through 26.
• Outreach and recruit youth to join the Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
• Implement the Fair Futures Model and attend mandatory agency and Fair Futures trainings.
• Plan and participate in recreational events.
• Oversight of tracking sheets for external events and workshops.
• Conduct credit checks on the three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for youth 14 and older.
• Participate in conferences, including but not limited to, Family Team Conferences, discharge planning, and Continuation of Care and Support Beyond Age 21 conferences.
• Attend and participate in regular program and team meetings and provide progress updates.
• Work collaboratively with Case Planners to assist youth with obtaining their vital documents including birth certificate, social security card, working papers, Passports, and government issued identification.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete the timely entry of progress notes into CONNECTIONS and Care4 in accordance with state and agency standard.
• Prepare reports for internal and external shareholders as required.
• Maintain tracking sheets and keep them updated on the intranet group site including SharePoint and OneDrive.
• Conduct outreach for youth surveys/questionnaires.
• Collaborate with College/Career Specialist around activities related to employment/internships for youth 17 and up.
• Recruiting and identifying internships for youth including IPP and MIP internships.
• Collaborate with College/Career Specialist to recruit and identify partner worksites for the GSS Internship Partnership Program (IPP).
• Accompanying young people to events, interviews, and other opportunities which promote preparation for adulthood and self-sufficiency.
• Participate in Education Roundtable meetings and complete the template.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience working with adolescents/young adults.
• Familiarity with a range of independent living skills and ability to teach others such skills.
• Strong group facilitation and/or teaching skills required.
• Ability to work with diverse staff and young people.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based, Youth & Family Development perspective.
• Field work is required.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgement, and prioritize skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings.

General Requirements:

All staff is expected to be committed to the mission, vision, and values of Good Shepherd Services, which includes involvement in quality improvement activities and a willingness and ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.