Bridges Liaison

Position Summary

The Bridges program is a voluntary, Ohio-based program for young adults aged 18 to 21 who have aged out of foster care, offering housing, case management, and financial support to assist with independence. It provides supportive services to individuals who are employed, in school, or attending job training, helping them gain stability and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with National Youth Advocate Program's mission, values, and philosophies.
• Facilitate facilities eligibility and enrollment into the Bridges program.
• Maintain Bridges eligibility documents in CCWIS for IV-E payment.
• Complete Bridges assessments and perform onsite evaluations.
• Affirmatively complete tier identification and Bridges assessment updates.
• Collaborate with young adults to set goals and develop the Bridges plan.
• Support young adults in identifying and coordinating housing and care management needs.
• Initiate timely referrals for housing and case management needs.
• Meet with young adults face-to-face at least once per month.
• Appear in court with Bridges participants.
• Review the Bridges plan with young adults every 180 days to acknowledge achievements and plan next steps.
• Ensure young adults maintain their Bridges eligibility if their personal circumstances change.
• Assist young adults in identifying permanent connections after Bridges program completion.
• Teach young adults independent living and basic life skills for adulthood.
• Support young adults in post-secondary school enrollment, vocational program enrollment, or securing employment.
• Connect young adults with physical health care, behavioral health care resources, and other community resources for self-sufficiency.
• Maintain case documentation in CCWIS.
• Support young adults in participating in Bridges focus groups.
• Complete required CCWIS and OCWTP training.
• Serve a minimum caseload of 12-15 young adults with appropriate frequency of contacts based on service needs.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, human services, behavioral health, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience working with families in the child welfare system.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smart phones, tablets, printers, fax machines, and software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Other Skills

• Demonstrate a commitment to service and the ability to effectively advocate for young adults.
• Follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers.
• Work effectively with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, good driving record, and minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.