Job Function: Support youth in foster care in their successful transition to and retention in post-secondary education and workforce readiness. Address identified academic needs of youth; assist youth in career exploration to promote college and career readiness; help youth prepare for, identify, and apply to career technical schools or colleges and universities that are a best fit; and prepare youth for their adjustment to and integration into their post-secondary communities.

To qualify for this job you need to have the below minimum requirements and experience:

• Master degree in education, school counseling or a related field.
• Experience in serving children, youth and families and working with/in NJ Public school system and application of education laws
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, use of an insured vehicle and an acceptable driving record.

To be successful in this position you must become able to do the following essential duties and responsibilities always:

• Functions within agency's policies and procedures as outlined on agency public documents.
• Operates according to program operations manual.
• Meets communication requirements as outlined in job expectations section below.
• Meets supervision requirements as outlined in job expectations section below.
• Meets program quality requirements as outlined in job expectations section below.
• Meets client interaction requirements as outlined in job expectations section below.

Job Expectations

Communication Requirements

• Communicates programmatic or job-related concerns to supervisor and makes suggestions for improvement in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Communicates any performance concerns or training needs to supervisor in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Conducts self in a professional manner that positively reflects the agency culture.
• Demonstrates competent written and verbal communication with referral sources and external customers.
• Is attentive and responsive to customer needs in a helpful, supportive and timely manner.
• Works collaboratively with co-workers and agency staff to effectively communicate and problem solve.

Supervision Requirements

• Meets with the supervisor in accordance with program requirements.
• Utilizes supervision effectively to address client related issues.
• Utilizes supervision effectively to address performance issues and concerns.
• Utilizes supervision effectively to explore professional development and training needs.

Program Quality Requirements

• Meets obligations of program (contractual, licensing, Medicaid, etc.).
• Follows program policies and procedures and encourages same in others.
• Educates self on issues impacting the program population.
• Operates conscientiously in accordance with program budget (i.e., use of client engaging funds, office supplies).
• Completes and submits accurate written reports and documentation per established guidelines.
• Ensures quality and accuracy of written and verbal communications.
• Submits Level of Service (LOS) within program requirements.
• Attends agency and program meetings and training within established time frames.
• Plays an active role in meetings and training designed to enhance agency and program operations.

Client Interaction Requirements

• Provides culturally competent service delivery.
• Upholds ethical standards in accordance with Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Effectively engages all client populations.
• Continually assesses clients' needs.
• Provides appropriate intervention strategies and adjusts services accordingly.

Necessary Skills and Abilities

• Must demonstrate initiative, creativity, be dependable, reliable and work well independently.
• Must be able to exercise independent thinking and good judgment under all circumstances.
• Must be able to analyze work, set goals, develop plans and utilize time effectively and efficiently.
• Must regularly be able to see, speak and hear. Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, bend, use hands and arms and must occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be sensitive, flexible and responsive to gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other special needs as reflected in the ability to communicate with staff and/or clients.
• Assume an active role in agency events.

Acenda's Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment

Acenda Integrated Health is committed to equal opportunity in employment. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Acenda's support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) brings together a diverse workforce to successfully achieve our mission of moving lives forward in the community. Acenda is an equal opportunity employer, we aim to create a productive workplace, where all workforce members feel engaged and valued. As part of Acenda, you play an important role in supporting our commitment to DEI throughout the organization.