VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

The Youth Family Specialist provides direct community-based services to at-risk youth currently involved in the juvenile justice system at the direction of the Program Supervisor to fulfill the services requested by Delaware DSCYF Probation Officers (POs) for youth referred and their families. This position provides direct services to the youth and their families, supports the youth and the parents to understand the day-to-day challenges of the youth and directs the family to proper emergency services when necessary. The Youth Family Specialist helps parents advocate for their child and advocates for the child for working within the system. This position reports to the Program Supervisor and the Chief Administrator. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides services to youth at the direction of the Program Supervisor to fulfill the services requested by Delaware DSCYF Probation Officers (POs) for youth referred. 

• Provides direct services to youth as defined by the contract, including but not limited to accountability, community service, guided recreation and family meetings.

• Co-facilitates services including but not limited to aggression replacement training, cognitive behavioral skills, Sanctuary, Casèy Life Skills, girls group, and street smarts.

• Meets ongoing with the Program Supervisor to review youth, families, and service delivery.

• Responsible for holding youth and families accountable for completing required services.

• Supports parents by understanding the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with emotional behavioral needs and involvement with the courts.

• Helps translate for parents who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with system jargon.

• Advocates for working within the system, educate professionals with whom they work, provide information to parents, listen to parents, and help parents build the confidence and skills they need to advocate for their own children. 

• Provides detailed documentation regarding the weekly family/individual meetings and/or phone contacts that occur with each family/youth, probation officer, and other outside agencies. All services performed must be put into Vision Quest's Epitomax database within two (2) business days of service completion.

• Directs the family to proper emergency services, such as the police or crisis hotline. In the event that a crisis occurs, the Program Supervisor must also contact the Probation Officer, the Youth Family Specialist, and Vision Quest administrators. 

• Administers and adheres to all company policies and procedures and state regulations for staff and youth. 

SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively. 

• Positive and compassionate attitude, solid relationship-building capabilities. 

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team. 

• Strong organizational and problem solving skills. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services, or a social service field or related field.

• 2+ years experience working with child welfare standards preferred, but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.

• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.

• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.