TAY Navigator (Multiple Positions)(Closes 8/3)

About the role

This is a professional position within the Office of Children, Youth and Families, Allegheny County, Department of Human Services (DHS). The TAY Navigator will work with a population of 14 and older youth who are or have been placed in foster care, residential or group home placements through the Child Welfare System.

Responsibilities

• Assess each youth’s abilities, interests, and talents to support the development of academic, career, and independent living goals.
• Complete all required assessments and plans, such as the Intake Assessment, IL Goal Plan, Transition Plan, and other mandated documents.
• Maintain regular face-to-face and ongoing contact with youth in alignment with TAY policies to support progress toward individualized goals.
• Provide guidance and support to help youth navigate social, behavioral, and personal challenges.
• Identify and connect youth to community resources, programs, and referrals that promote stability, permanency, and overall well-being.
• Facilitate completion of the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) survey for eligible youth.
• Complete Act 80/91 documentation for youth over 18 with active CYF cases.
• Update the Youth Summary in the appropriate system at least twice per year and maintain accurate, timely electronic case records.
• Manage caseloads, attend all required meetings and court hearings, and close cases when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with CYF caseworkers, foster parents, residential staff, school personnel, and other key partners to gather information and coordinate services.
• Participate in conciliation agreements and meetings and track outcomes as required.
• Aid in coordinating services and supports for young adults with active child welfare cases, helping them work toward transition-related goals.
• Serve as the TAY Gatekeeper by monitoring services, supporting youth in navigating available resources, and advocating to ensure all needs are addressed.
• Manage caseloads, attend all required meetings and court hearings, and close cases when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with CYF caseworkers, foster parents, residential staff, school personnel, and other key partners to gather information and coordinate services.
• Participate in conciliation agreements and meetings and track outcomes as required.
• Aid in coordinating services and supports for young adults with active child welfare cases, helping them work toward transition-related goals.
• Serve as the TAY Gatekeeper by monitoring services, supporting youth in navigating available resources, and advocating to ensure all needs are addressed.
• Attend youth-focused activities and DHS evening functions as assigned.
• Offer support with youth transportation for relevant meetings, appointments, or activities on an as-needed basis.
• Complete any additional tasks or duties assigned by the employer.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences:
• OR Two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; in addition to two years of equivalent work experience
• OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision is important.
• Knowledge of the laws pertaining to foster youth. Additionally, incumbent should possess strong interpersonal skills to engage youth to participate in programs and services offered by DHS, as well as the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, dependent upon the needs of the youth and as assigned by the supervisor.
• A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are needed for local travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.