Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Foster Youth Initiative (Antelope Valley Area)

The Foster Youth Resource Director/LCSW will play a crucial role in leading the program implementation and partnerships for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles' Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative. This position involves designing, implementing, and overseeing a range of programs that support the well-being, personal growth, and successful transition to adulthood for foster youth. The Foster Youth Resource Director/LCSW will collaborate with various stakeholders, including foster care agencies, schools, community partners, and YMCA staff, to create a comprehensive support system that aligns with the mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and addresses the unique needs of foster youth.

Qualifications:

• Licenses & Certifications:
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California.
  • Infant Child Adult CPR & AED and Basic First Aid certified or willing to obtain the certification within 60 days of hire (certification courses available free of charge through the YMCA for all employees)
• Education:
  • Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work
• Related Experience:
  • Minimum of five (5+) years of experience working with foster youth, including at least three (3) years in program management/operations in child welfare, mental health, or related non-profit arena
• Immunizations & Physical:
  • TB Test clearance
• Specialized Skills:
  • Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices for working with foster youth.
  • Strong knowledge of the foster care system, child welfare policies, and adolescent development.
  • Experience in program design and evaluation
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders
  • Proficiency in case management software and data analysis
• Other: Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures, safety and risk management. Must be able to clear a criminal record background check (DOJ/FBI).
• This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check. For more information about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview

Work Environment/Minimum Physical Requirements

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Ability to lift 30-35lbs
• Job is based out of YMCA facility. This is not a remote position.
• Reliable transportation, as this position does require travel to program sites for evaluations and support. This position also requires travel to off-site locations throughout LA County for special events, meetings, trainings, clusters, workshops, and other travel related to the position. All work-related mileage in excess to normal daily community is a reimbursement employee expense.

Principle Responsibilities:

PROGRAM OPERATIONS/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

1. Program Development and Implementation:

• Design and develop innovative programs that address the specific needs of foster youth (ages 12-17) and transitioning age youth (ages 18-24) including, including but not limited to life skills training, educational support, mental health services, workforce and career development.
• Create a diverse range of activities, workshops, and support groups that cater to different age groups and developmental stages within the foster youth population, ages 12-24, and their foster/resource parents.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with foster care agencies, schools, mental health providers, and other community organizations/partners to create a comprehensive support network for foster youth.
• Collaborate with YMCA staff, volunteers, other youth-serving departments within the YMCA and program mentors to ensure effective program implementation and youth engagement

1. Clinical Oversight and Support:

• Recruit and provide clinical supervision and guidance to program volunteers and interns working directly with foster youth
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans for foster youth as needed
• Offer crisis intervention, trauma informed care and support for youth experiencing mental health challenges

1. Strategic Planning:

• Develop long-term strategies for empowering foster youth and supporting their transition to adulthood
• Regularly evaluate program impact and adapt strategies based on outcome data and emerging best practices in foster youth support

1. Resource Management:

• Manage program budgets, including allocation of resources for materials, activities, and support services
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support program expansion and sustainability

1. Team Leadership:

• Work towards scaling the Foster Youth Initiative, to increase additional resources for additional staffing support. Once scaled up, establish a team of program coordinators, case managers, and support staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative and trauma-informed work environment that prioritizes the needs of foster youth

1. Youth Engagement and Advocacy:

• Ensure programs are accessible and appealing to foster youth through effective outreach and engagement strategies
• Advocate for the needs and rights of foster youth within the YMCA and broader community

1. Data Collection and Reporting:

• Implement robust data collection systems to track program outcomes and measure the impact of initiatives on foster youth well-being and success
• Prepare regular reports for organizational leadership, funders, and community partners

1. Community Building and Networking:

• Represent the YMCA's Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings
• Participate, as a contributing member of the YMCA's Foster Youth Initiative Board Task Force.
• Stay informed about current trends, policies, and best practices in foster youth support and child welfare
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required. Travel, as required, for off-site meetings, trainings and events.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all dealings with youth, families, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
• Participate as a member of the overall YMCA Youth Development department.
• Support and Attend Association special events. Support branch special events, as appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Upon scaling the program up, establish needed staff roles to support program growth and sustainability, with the responsibility to:

1. Recruit and hire program staff using screening tools and panel interviews to gain the best possible fit with each opening.
2. Provide direct supervision to department staff, assuring that all staff are qualified, certified, and are meeting minimum performance standards for their position
3. Ensure that all staff are following NASW Code of Ethics and requirements in accordance with the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
4. Support professional development through trainings, technical support and providing resources. This can look like attending professional development and trainings or hosting professional development and trainings.
5. Provide direct supervision of program staff, including recruitment, onboarding and training, performance management and development.
6. Provide extensive training to program staff and interns to more effectively engage, inform, and involve community members.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our staff, the Association is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Hired candidates are screened through the YMCA by the FBI and California Department of Justice; these government agencies make the final determination as to whether or not a candidate is eligible to work with minor children in this role.