Job details

Connections Specialist

Overview:

Do you have a passion for supporting youth’s mental health and connecting them to the adequate resources? So do we, join our multi-disciplinary Sonoma team! Our community-based programs are close-knit and enjoy participating in many team building events to enhance team culture.

The Connections Specialist provides culturally responsive services and leads a collaborative network building, organizing, and strengthening process for youth and families who are referred through Child Welfare or Juvenile Probation. Services will be provided almost exclusively in the community: in families’ homes, foster homes, schools, other community locations etc. for youth who are identified by the county as youth who are very isolated, have a significant relational trauma history, and have experienced a severe amount of caregiver and placement disruption. The primary role is to ensure a sustainable network of unpaid supports (i.e., extended family, mentors, teachers, coaches) are identified, engaged, and working together toward stability for the youth and family.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Expedited WRAP works to support youth entering Valley of the Moon Children's Home (VOMCI during their stay and when they are ready to move on to their next placement The Expedited Wraparound team's motto is to find "sustainable solutions." We are often providing services in way that is inclusive of the entire family team, and helps the youth, family, and community supports to feel empowered, in order to increase self-sufficiency before ending services.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies is committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities a network of outstanding mental health, community based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages people of color to apply. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in order to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities:

Work in tandem with the Wrap team and provider team to develop and implement a clear vision for connection building and permanency for the identified youth and family.
Provide direct services that are culturally responsive to youth and caregivers on a consistent basis to further network building.
Work with caregivers and/or natural supports to offer psychoeducation, caregiver coaching and coordinate care between providers etc.
Maintain fidelity to Kevin Campbell’s Family Finding and Engagement Framework by implementing FFE tools and other documents to build sustainable natural support networks for youth and families.
Facilitate Blended Perspective, Safety Network, and/or Child and Family team meetings (CFTMs) focused on network building, monthly or as needed.
Provide connection building consultation to staff and/or facilitate trainings or workshops site wide as needed.
Cultivate and maintain engagement and alignment with community members, County partners and mental health partners.
Provide assistance to referring party in planning, coordinating, and executing consistent natural support contact (i.e., arrange/provide transportation, coordinating additional provider support etc.).
Participate in individual and/or group supervision weekly as well as other required internal staff meetings or trainings.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED

Experience/education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree OR
- Associate’s degree or equivalent + 1 year of applicable work experience OR
- High school diploma/GED + 2 years of applicable work experience
- Applicable experience includes any paid or unpaid experience working with youth or families, or working in the social services field
Be part of a rotating emergency pager system.
Flexible schedule with ability to work evenings and weekends.
Valid CA driver’s license and insurable under Seneca Family of Agencies insurance policy.
Clearance of TB test, fingerprints, and any other mandatory State/Federal licensing or certification requirements.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.

PREFERRED

Bilingual (Spanish) fluency.
Experience working with youth in out-of-home care.
Experience working with system-involved children and their families in a variety of mental health settings.

Schedule:

Full-time
- Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Benefits:

Starting at $22.66 - $25.16 per hour, actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role
Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam.
Salary increases each year.
Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
- 75% paid medical premium
- Full dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage
- Family leave, long-term disability, and life insurance
- 50% paid premiums for dependants
- New fertility benefits!
- 403b retirement plan
- Employer-Paid Assistance Plan
Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.