HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Extended Foster Care Review (FCR) Specialist reports to the Permanency and Youth Services Manager, and is responsible for coordination / facilitation of the administrative review panel for young adults in extended foster care.

In addition, this position ensures young adults in the extended foster care program have the support, services, and quality case management needed to successfully transition to adulthood.

This position models the Youth Thrive culture and philosophy when working with young adults and Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialists.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces.

All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties :

Completes case reviews and meetings with young adults, young adult's supports, and DCS Specialists. Researches, analyzes, writes, updates, monitors, and coordinates information related to the review.

Works on improvements and quality assurance processes for program.

• Compiles programmatic and fiscal requirements for assigned areas of responsibility, including preparing programmatic reports, and developing / monitoring goals, outcomes and benchmarks.
• Utilizes policies and procedures to support the program and improvement initiatives. Contributes and develops tools and practice guides that aid staff in the understanding and implementation of the program.
• Facilitates and / or participates in program-related meetings, committees, and work groups with internal / external stakeholders on practice improvement initiatives.

Provides technical assistance to field / external staff to support best practice in the field and promote program development within the agency.

• Works collaboratively with federal and state evaluators for program, and serves as an advocate for the young adults and DCS Specialists in collaboration with outside stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

• Federal, state and local programs and resources regarding area of assignment
• Social services
• Terminology of Arizona's child welfare system processes, including Youth Thrive Framework
• DCS policies and procedures
• Child welfare policies
• General policies pertaining to investigating reports of abuse / neglect
• Trauma informed practice
• Group facilitation and conflict resolution
• DCS related programs, program planning, group dynamics and evaluation process

Skills in :

• Verbal and written communication
• Interviewing and eliciting information
• Organization and managing workload
• Problem identification and solution
• Decision making and conflict resolution
• Facilitating and coordinating culturally diverse meetings
• Interviewing
• Evaluating and interpreting
• Assessing safety and risk

Ability to :

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with young adults, DCS Specialists, other programs, agencies and departments
• Write and speak with clarity and effectiveness
• Multi-task
• Represent and make appropriate decisions for DCS when working as a liaison in regards to interactions with DCS Staff, other agency personnel, and community partners and providers
• Analyze complex and detailed information
• Prioritize work load
• Make independent decisions
• Collect, enter, and interpret data
• Travel in-state
• Work alternate hours, to include weekends and evenings at the discretion of the supervisor
• Follow program policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and group processes

Selective Preference(s) :

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, social work, psychology, counseling or other related fields with 3-5 years of experience working directly with young people in Arizona's foster care system (Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above mentioned fields will substitute for one year of experience)

Pre-Employment Requirements :

The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply : Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including :

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive.

Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.