PAL Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description : Position Function :

The PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) Specialist is responsible for providing support to youth who are transitioning to adulthood from Foster Care.

Working Conditions :

Position includes interacts with parents, guardians, and conservators as well as to youth with behavioral problems, including possible physical aggression. A personal vehicle is required for travel. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must meet agency underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and / or transporting clients.

Exposure to Confidential Information :

The Preparation for Adult Living Specialist will have access to confidential records including youth files, foster care and adoption records, and foster parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.

Key Expectations / Responsibilities :

• Maintain high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics.
• A commitment to empowering others to solve their problems.
• Value a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
• A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
• The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and / or service providers and professionals.
• The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• The ability to set appropriate limits.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with the agency leave policy.

Implementation :

Training and Supervision :

Requirements :

Education : A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred but not required.

Experience : At least two years in the child and family services field is required. Experience working with older youth in Foster Care is preferred.

Functional : Must have knowledge, skills, and experience to assess the need for placement, assess safety, assess family strengths and needs, assess placement resources for the youth, plan for and facilitate permanency, and assist foster parents and kinship caregivers in providing a safe, nurturing environment for children in their care. Must demonstrate skills in separation and loss issues for the child in care, family systems, conflict resolution, and mediation, understanding loyalty issues a youth and caregiver may face, and reunifying a youth with his / her family. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, care providers or regulatory agencies. Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups.