The AFFCF Keys to Success (KTS) program was established to help youth ages 16 to 26 who are aging out of the foster care system receive the career, education, employment and life skills services they need to achieve personal and financial stability. Based on the premise that success can only be achieved through the identification of goals, the program provides each youth with a Career Development Specialist (CDS) who facilitates an in-depth career exploration and planning process, and then connects youth to the education and/or training, employment and community resources required to eliminate barriers and secure living wage employment.

The following responsibilities are representative, but not all-inclusive of the job functions required for this role:

Job Responsibilities

• Use program resources and assessment tools to help youth identify their personality traits, skills, interests and values as they relate to exploring career options
• Use assessment findings and the career interests of youth to explore several industries and occupations and help them discover the option(s) that most interest and suit him/her
• Help the youth access a variety of resources that will allow them to compare and contrast employment options in their top two to three fields of interest
• Develop an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each participant that includes goals in the following life domains: career, education, employment, independent living and personal development
• Work with the KTS employment specialists once a career choice has been established to help the youth develop a detailed plan that will include the following:
  • Identification of education and training needs
  • Finding education and training
  • Payment for school or vocational training
  • Opportunities to gain skills through volunteer work, entry-level jobs, internships and work-based learning
• Work with youth, caregiver, current and/or previous school or district and others on the Child and Family Team to locate transcripts, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or other education documents that are relevant to the development of an education plan
• Help youth identify and achieve educational goals by identifying needs/gaps, as well as resources, including the following:
  • Planning, coordinating and implementing educational services and supports
  • Interviewing youth, caregiver(s), school staff/teachers and DCS case managers to develop an educational profile
  • Reviewing transcripts to assist in identifying gaps in education and/or needed supports and ensuring education records are complete
  • Assisting with transition to appropriate school placement, including high school/GED programs, vocational or training and college
  • Maintaining communication with schools, districts and agencies about educational issues and barriers
  • Advocating for youth’s educational rights and responding to requests for information
  • Ensuring program activities and services are coordinated with partnering organizations and educational institutions
• Communicate and collaborate with DCS case managers and other members of the youth’s team while developing strategies and action steps for goal attainment
• Provide ongoing support to youth to encourage achievement of goals and connect them to community partners and services that offer opportunities and/or remove barriers
• Follow up with youth and agencies as appropriate to document use/success of resources and referrals
• Input accurate and complete data for all Individual Service Plan goals, strategies, actions and contacts with youth into KTS database
• Collaborate with the Program Director and other staff to evaluate needs of program youth and the ongoing development of the overall program

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field or a minimum of five (5) years of experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of previous experience serving youth preferred
• MUST reside in Pima County and be able to travel throughout the region to deliver services to youth in a community setting
• MUST have a Level 1 fingerprint clearance card or the ability to acquire one at time of hire
• MUST have a clean driving record and proof of insurance

Competencies

• Excellent time, task and organizational management skills
• Team player
• Experience in dealing with clients possessing multiple barriers to employment preferred
• Ability to advocate for the interests of clients and navigate complex systems

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Mileage reimbursement at 65.5 cents per mile
• Generous paid time off (PTO), sick time, healthcare and dental benefits
• Term-life insurance
• Flexible schedule

Equal Opportunity Employer

AFFCF is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Please submit resumes to talent@affcf.org for consideration; include in your subject line “Career Development Specialist.”