Youth Specialist

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensure youth engagement and participation in all MARE activities and services.
• Schedule and attend MARE Youth recruitment video shoots in coordination with community partners.
• Attend MARE youth recruitment video shoots as needed.
• Plan and conduct the quarterly MARE Youth Advisory Board meetings.
• Work as a team to produce quarterly Youth newsletters and quarterly recruitment periodicals.
• Attend Meet and Greets and other recruitment events.
• Perform inquiry checks and follow-ups prior to youth attendance at Meet and Greets.
• Follow up on youth surveys and inquiries from Meet and Greet events.
• Participate in the Adoption Oversight Committee to report on Youth Advisory Board findings.
• Follow up with adoption workers on specialized youth needs such as youth nearing 18, AWOL youth, and youth with other recruitment delays.
• Cook up and attend Teen Spotlight recruitment events.
• Aid in all other areas of MARE as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and meet job requirements.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to creatively coordinate and facilitate Youth Board meetings and agendas.
• Ability to assist with selection of youth for Heart Gallery.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Maintain contact with DHHS and adoption service providers throughout Michigan.
• Knowledge of adoption policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain contract compliance.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Cultural competence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the human services field and one year experience in adoption or 3 years experience in child welfare.
• Excellent and positive communication and engagement skills.
• Experience with facilitating groups and providing trainings.
• Computer/technology skills.
• Excellent organization skills.
• Ability to relate to MDHHS personnel, the courts and other service providers and community members.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• To travel/work statewide as necessary.
• A valid Michigan drivers license.
• Central Registry Clearance documenting that there is no record of child abuse or neglect.
• Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and a National and State Working Conditions Office environment position requires occasional evening and weekend hours and travel throughout Michigan.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Central Registry Clearance, Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check, and National/State Sex Offender Registry check.