PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION REQUIRES MINIMUM 1 YEAR CHILD WELFARE EXPERIENCE EXITING THE SYSTEM AT 18. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE MUST BE NOTED ON YOUR RESUME AND ONLY APPLICANTS MEETING THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Department: Prevention                              Reports to: Program Manager                        Job Code: YOUTH01                                        

Salary/wage Grade: N-1                             Status: Non-Exempt                                        Labor Type: Full Time

Position Summary: This is a liaison position involving support and advocacy for youth currently involved in Brevard C.A.R.E.S. Inc. The Youth Liaison will work in concert with Wraparound, Brevard C.A.R.E.S., Intake, Training, and/or Public Relations teams to share their experience of the child welfare system in order to more effectively address the needs and perspective of youth currently involved in the CBC of Brevard system of care. The ideal candidate for this position is required to have experience as a foster care youth, exiting the system at 18 years of age. Please apply only if you meet this requirement.

Technical/Functional Expectations:

1. Provide guidance in navigating the child welfare system: Prior experience navigating the child welfare system is required in order to provide guidance and assistance to youth in Brevard C.A.R.E.S.
2. Attend MAPP and Pre-Service Trainings: This is required in order to share the perspective and experiences of youth to care managers and PI's and others in order to educate and suggest improvements.
3. Serve as the youth spokesperson at public venues: This is done in order to share youth perspective to those who make policy and/or would benefit from hearing from the population served.
4. Provide mentoring and advocacy for youth: This is required in order to relate with and assist other youth to have needs met, to address barriers, to ensure that the youth voice is included and to target and reach goals.
5. Attend/participate in social network groups for youth: This participation is done to work with various youth groups to address needs, identify potential solutions and make recommendations.
6. Attend FTC Meetings: Attending Wraparound Family Team Conference trainings is done to share youth experience and perspective of the child welfare system and to serve as a youth partner.
7. Administrative Support: Provide administrative support and backup.
8. Other duties as required: Job performance requires fulfilling other incidental or related duties as assigned, assisting and training others, and performing duties of higher rated positions from time to time for developmental purposes.

Behavioral Competencies:

1. Listening: Able to pay attention to others; listen without interrupting; convey understanding of others' points of view; clarify understanding of questions and objections before responding.
2. Integrity: Able to demonstrate consistency of words and actions; protect confidential information; practice what he/she preaches; do what is right even when no one is watching.
3. Trust and Respect: Able to demonstrate and treat others in an honest and straightforward manner; keep dealings with others confidential; keep word and follow through on commitments.
4. Adaptability: Able to adjust approach when dealing with arrogant or inflexible people; adapt to changes in situation, direction, or people; adjust to needs of others without losing self.
5. Consideration: Able to show respect for the feelings or needs of others; show courtesy and make others comfortable; attentive while others are speaking.
6. Problem Solving: Able to exercise judgment in building realistic solutions to problems; understand the real issues behind problems; use common sense and take practical action to solve problems.
7. Sensitivity: Work effectively with and show sensitivity to cultural differences and various socio-economic backgrounds of others.
8. Ethics: Adhere to and model principles and values of Agency and System of Care by being strength-based, solution-focused, maintains highest level of integrity and ethical standards and work collaboratively with employees, partners, stakeholders and clients in all interactions.

Business Experience:

1. Minimum 1 year child welfare experience exiting system at 18: This is required in order to provide guidance to other youth and to be able to make recommendations, suggestions and to address barriers.
2. Experience navigating complex system: This is required in order to provide assistance and guidance to other youth in navigating the child welfare system.
3. Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are required in order to develop talking points or presentations to groups.
4. Public/Group Speaking: This is necessary in order to speak to small groups, stakeholders, system of care partners and others about the needs and challenges of youth in the child welfare system.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

1. High School Diploma required.
2. AA/AS - Associates Degree or equivalent preferred.
3. Minimum 1 year experience in child welfare exiting at 18 required.
4. 5+ years child welfare experience exiting at 18 preferred.

Physical Requirements: