Successful Futures Specialist

Works directly with Family Home Program high school graduates pre- and post-graduation to help youth in making a smooth transition from career/job experiences in high school to independent adult living with competitive employment or post-secondary education. Works with School and Youth Care staff to teach, support, and assist youth with understanding and achieving their post-graduation goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Implements the Senior Planning Process according to the program description with the goal of providing the education and support necessary for Family Home Program high school seniors to make strong, suitable post-graduation decisions.

• Uses the senior planning education materials and the planning process to provide the best information and opportunity for youth to develop their post-graduation plan.

• Provides effective communication about individual seniors and the overall Senior Planning process with youth, Family Teachers, school personnel, Youth Care leadership through attendance of Team Meetings, consultations, and Community/Administrative Meetings.

• Facilitates two to three Senior Planning Meetings during a youth’s Senior Year during which time input, suggestions and feedback is given.

• Builds relationships with Family Home Program high school graduates in order to be available for Crisis Support after graduation.

Implements and maintains the Trade Life – Successful Living Program with the goal of providing program youth with education, resources and supports.

• Supports the application and referral process for the Trade Life – Successful Living program.

• Develops and implements an individualized service plan and documents progress with the plan.

• Implements intervention strategies to improve performance in work settings.

• Assesses the need of each graduate through basic counseling techniques such as questioning, paraphrasing, and reflective listening through a needs assessment; follows questioning guidelines and pays attention to what the participant is and is not saying.

• Explores internal and external supports.

• Provides financial and other support to individuals based on individual needs and reports decisions to leadership.

• Meets with contacts at various locations; utilizes own vehicle and Boys Town vehicle to travel to work destinations and to transport youth as authorized.

Provides crisis support for alumni.

• Assesses immediate safety of the Family Home Program graduates to determine further actions; utilizes professional judgment to respond appropriately to situational needs.

• Assesses need of each alumni through basic counseling techniques such as questioning, paraphrasing, and reflective listening through a needs assessment; follows questioning guidelines and pays attention to what the participant is and is not saying.

• Explores internal and external supports.

• Remains calm and objective during all situations, enlists support of senior staff as needed, and makes joint decisions about further action.

• Provides helpful information to high school graduates including problem solving, and walks participant through steps so participant arrives at a solution.

Teaches the Advanced Life Skills Curriculum.

• Assists with the coordination of facilities, materials, and schedule for the Advanced Life Skills small group classes.

• Utilizes effective classroom management techniques.

• Uses the Advanced Life Skills Curriculum materials and the planning process to provide the best information and opportunity for youth to gain knowledge in additional Life Skills.

• Effectively communicates the Advanced Life Skills process with youth, Family Teachers, school personnel, youth care leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of variety of behaviors and circumstances that may impact one’s performances in various work environments.

• Knowledge of work demands and work ethics across a variety of businesses.

• Organizational skills to assist with managing youth to school to work experiences.

• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving, including ability to make assessments and use sound judgment.

• Ability to communicate in a professional manner while maintaining necessary degree of confidentiality; communication skills needed to relate effectively to students, Family-Teachers, faculty, administrators, business owner’s and their employees.

• Ability to build sustain successf