Bridges Liaison

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Bridges Liaison to join our team. 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies.
• Facilitate eligibility and enrollment into the Bridges program.
• Maintain Bridges eligibility documents in CCWIS for IV-E payment.
• Complete Bridges assessments and perform onsite evaluations.
• Assist with the completion of tier identification and Bridges assessment updates.
• Complete goal setting with the young adult through the development of the Bridges plan.
• Work directly with young adults to identify and coordinate housing and care management needs.
• Initiate timely referrals for housing and case management needs.
• Meet face to face with each young adult on caseload at a minimum of once per month.
• Appear in court with Bridges participants.
• Review Bridges plan with the young adult every 180 days to acknowledge achievements and plan next steps.
• Assist young adult to maintain their Bridges eligibility if their personal circumstances change.
• Assist young adult to identify individuals and resources that can be permanent connections for them after Bridges program completion.
• Teach young adult independent living skills and basic life skills for adulthood.
• Support young adult in post-secondary school enrollment, vocational program enrollment or securing employment.
• Connect the young adult with physical health care and behavioral health care resources as well as other community resources for self-sufficiency.
• Maintain case documentation in CCWIS.
• Support young adult participation in Bridges focus groups.
• Complete required CCWIS and OCWTP training.
• Serve a minimum caseload of 12–15 young adults with 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 and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Other Skills

• Must demonstrate a commitment to service and the ability to effectively advocate for young adults.
• Must follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers.
• Must be able to effectively work 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.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

Benefits

• 22 Days of Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays.
• Half-day Fridays during the summer.
• Comprehensive healthcare packages for you and your family.
• Paid parental leave.
• CEUs, ongoing training/education, and student loan repayment program.
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching.
• Flexible hours.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Phone allowance.

Compensation: $45,000