City Jobs

Youth and Family Specialist

Description

Summary:

The Youth and Family Specialist (YFS) will be a case manager or licensed social worker assigned to one or more court sections to serve as a liaison between youth and families, the court and Judges, and community-based partner services. They will support a trauma-informed court by guiding families through the court process and providing case management, referrals, and crisis intervention for youth and families. The main duties of the YFS will be to provide reminder calls to families to ensure they are prepared for court; conduct needs assessments to determine the needs of youth and families and provide referrals to youth and family to holistically meet their needs to prevent further court involvement and support the healthy development of youth. YFS will also coordinate between other court programs and partner agencies to prevent duplication of efforts and ensure all youth receive intensive case management and support.

 

Duties of this position:

  • Serve as a liaison between youth/ families, the court system, and community organizations.
  • Ease tension and fear around coming to court by conducting check-in and reminder calls to ensure that youth and families are aware of their court hearing and know what to expect.
  • Provide needs assessments to determine appropriate service referrals for youth and families.
  • Refer youth and families to court programs and community-based services that are matched to meet their needs.
  • Maintain awareness of community-based services and resources for counseling, mentorship, substance abuse, job skills training, and other relevant resources for youth and families
  • Form partnerships with community-based agencies to ensure effective communication around the needs and progress of youth and families.
  • Provide extensive case management, crisis intervention, and appropriate service referrals for youth who are identified as victims of crime.
  • Provide psychoeducation, support, and service referrals to caregivers.
  • Make mandatory reports of child abuse in accordance with Louisiana Law and uphold the Social Work Code of Ethics.
  • Represent OPJC on local, regional, and statewide task forces, coalitions, and other meetings.
  • May provide additional assessments as indicated, including a biopsychosocial/ needs assessment, substance abuse assessment, trauma screen, and other screens/assessments, when needed.
  • Perform other duties related to youth services as needed.

*This position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30-4pm. Some emergency after-hours work may be required.  

Minimum Qualifications:

undergraduate degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related field. Master’s degree in social work preferred. Experience working with youth and caregivers of youth who have experienced trauma or been involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. Must be able to function in a high-stress environment with families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Must be patient, compassionate, and passionate about working with children who have experienced trauma. Must have self-care plan in place. Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications:

Licensed clinical social worker, licensed counselor, or related field. Understanding of child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Awareness of local community resources to serve youth victims of crime and non-offending family members.