PAL Specialist

Position: PAL Specialist Comparable DFPS Position: PAL Specialist Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt Reports to: PAL Supervisor Company: Texans Together Location: Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized) Position Description: The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Specialist provides hope-centered services, life-skills development, and transition support to youth and young adults preparing for adulthood and independent living. The PAL Specialist partners with youth to identify strengths, establish meaningful goals, build practical pathways to success, and strengthen the confidence and skills necessary to thrive beyond foster care. Utilizing a youth-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, the PAL Specialist assists youth and young adults in developing the knowledge, resources, relationships, and life skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term well-being. The position collaborates with caregivers, TTG staff, providers, educational institutions, employers, housing resources, and community partners to connect youth to opportunities that promote successful adulthood and lifelong supportive connections. Primary Responsibilities: Provides PAL services to eligible youth and young adults in accordance with program requirements and established timelinesEngages youth and young adults in identifying personal strengths, goals, interests, and aspirations related to education, career development, housing, financial stability, health, and supportive relationshipsDelivers life-skills training, coaching, and individualized support that promotes independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, and personal responsibilityAssists youth in developing transition plans that identify goals, resources, support systems, and action steps necessary for successful adulthoodPromotes youth voice, choice, and active participation in service planning and decision-makingProvides information and guidance regarding post-secondary education, workforce development, vocational training, scholarships, financial aid, employment opportunities, and career readinessAssists youth in developing essential life skills, including budgeting, financial literacy, housing readiness, transportation planning, healthcare management, communication, and conflict resolutionConnects youth and young adults to available PAL resources, community programs, benefits, housing assistance, mentoring opportunities, and supportive servicesBuilds relationships with employers, educational institutions, housing providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to increase opportunities for youth and young adultsCoordinates and facilitates youth conferences, workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and other PAL activities that promote growth, connection, leadership, and independenceEncourages the development of healthy relationships, lifelong connections, and supportive adult networks that foster belonging and resilienceCollaborates with caseworkers, caregivers, providers, educators, and community partners to support youth goals and address barriers impacting successful transitions to adulthoodHelps youth identify and overcome barriers related to education, employment, housing, transportation, financial stability, and access to resourcesMaintains timely, accurate, and complete documentation of services, contacts, assessments, referrals, progress, and outcomesTracks youth participation, progress, and service outcomes to support program effectiveness and continuous improvement Required Qualifications: Minimum two (2) years’ experience working with youth, young adults, child welfare, foster care, independent living services, education, workforce development, case management, or a related human services fieldMinimum two (2) years’ experience in child welfare, foster care, kinship care, family preservation, family support services, case management, or a related human services field Preferred Qualifications: Experience providing life-skills training, youth engagement, mentoring, or transition servicesExperience working with adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of adolescent development, positive youth development, and transition-age youth servicesKnowledge of Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services, independent living principles, and youth transition planningKnowledge of educational, vocational, housing, employment, financial, healthcare, and community resources available to youth and young adultsKnowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, youth-centered, and hope-centered practicesWillingness to learn the Science of Hope and its application to youth development and independent living servicesSkill in engaging, motivating, mentoring, and coaching youth and young adultsStrong verbal and written communication skillsSkill in facilitating life-skills training, workshops, and group activitiesSkill in problem-solving, resource coordination, and relationship buildingAbility to help youth identify goals, develop realistic pathways, and strengthen confidence in their ability to achieve successAbility to advocate for youth needs and connect youth to resources and opportunitiesAbility to work effectively with youth, caregivers, providers, employers, educators, and community stakeholdersAbility to maintain accurate documentation, organize work effectively, and meet established deadlinesAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgmentProficiency with Microsoft Office, IMPACT, and electronic documentation systems Work Conditions: Environment: Office-basedConditions: Frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situationsSchedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours responsibilities may be necessary to meet operational needsTravel: Frequent – Travel across Harris County and the 12- county service region. Reliable transportation required DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace. DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation. Powered by JazzHR ZSlY0vWiTw