Transition Specialist

About the role

The Lead Transition Specialist is responsible for using sound professional judgment and best practices to ensure quality services are provided to the service population especially in crisis situations while maintaining compliance with established program standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management to young adults from 16–21 who are eligible for the program.
• Develop detailed Individual Service Plans for each client, meet with and assess progress, and maintain up-to-date client files.
• Obtain approval for DFPS youth participation through authorization form (2054) from DFPS PAL staff before providing services to eligible youth.
• Follow all DFPS guidelines and policies concerning PAL Transitional and Financial Services.
• Maintain organizational management structure which promotes best practices and facilitates optimum delivery of services.
• Monitor and maintain an internal policy and procedure manual of the organizational structure and program function based upon: Federal requirements, individual grant procedures and requirements, and the agency’s internal policies and procedures.
• Guide, lead, develop, and mentor all direct reporting staff to promote optimal performance through regular communication and evaluations.
• Ensure that all staff within the supervised programs receive the training necessary to provide the highest quality of programming possible.
• Work effectively with the Director of Community Based Services.
• Attend all client staffing, department, agency meetings, as required.
• Provide crisis management.
• Make referrals to outside agencies, as necessary, and provide follow-up.
• Present at conferences and other professional meetings on transition services.
• Maintain confidentiality with clients and staff.

Measurable Deliverables

• Complete initial intake assessments to youth seeking PAL Transitional and Financial services.
• Meet with clients helping to develop and sign their Individual Transition Plan or sign a review of the plan during each face-to-face contact by PAL transition specialist.
• Client files will be maintained according to all BCFS and DFPS standards.
• Enter required Salesforce data for all clients within 2 business days of client contact and submit monthly reports as specified by Program Director every month.
• Program outcomes are tracked and achieved.
• Monthly and Quarterly reports are submitted to the Director of Community Based Services.
• Conduct monthly case reviews to ensure programs are following guidelines and contact requirements.
• Turn in receipts, case notes, expense reports, mileage reports, and other required documentations for budget and billing on time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in case management, job development or crisis intervention with youth.
• Experience in community building, event coordination and public speaking.
• Maintain certificates required for the position including but not limited to First Aid and CPR.
• Valid Texas Driver’s license with a clear driving record and reliable transportation.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug screens.
• Provide proof of work eligibility status upon request.
• Pass a pre-employment and biennial criminal background and motor vehicle check (fingerprints needed if applicant has lived out of state within the past 5 years).

Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English.
• Maintain computer literacy required to meet the responsibilities of the position.
• Work effectively and without intensive supervision both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Travel as needed.