YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced in the posting See Per 405.1.

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

SUMMARY:

Serves as the coordinator of a connections program that matches youth 14 and older currently or formerly in DCYF foster care with volunteer mentors or connects them with supportive adults from their past. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Recruits and screens potential mentors by obtaining references and conducting criminal and other background checks.

Trains mentors on topics including but not limited to: youth engagement, confidentiality, goal setting and related DCYF policies and procedures.

Matches eligible youth with a mentor or past connection based on interests and/or other compatibility factors and provides ongoing match support to mentees and mentors including conflict resolution and other services/ resources as needed.

Interviews youth, caregivers and other involved individuals to obtain information about family members or other supportive adults that the youth was connected to previously.

Searches for family members and other adult connections using case mining techniques, internet search tools, social media and other family finding methods.

Engages located individuals in conversation to assess their interest and ability to be a supportive connection and connects them with the youth’s DCYF worker for further planning.

Under the direction of an Administrator I, collects data through survey’s, interviews and other methods to evaluate the impact of the mentor and connections program on a regular basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Associate's degree from an accredited institute of higher education with major study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: Three years of experience in working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youths and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience, with responsibility for providing program information to others. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

License/Certification : None required.

Preferred WORK TRAITS:

Knowledge of the organization and operations of the departments or agency section in which position is assigned. General knowledge of current literature in specialized field of work. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Knowledge of English, spelling and arithmetic. Knowledge of the procedures and practices involved in interviewing. Knowledge of office record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of the regulations pertaining to departmental programs. Some knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts and identify existing or potential problems. Ability to contribute to the development of sound operational procedures. Ability to make sound judgment in appraising situations and making routine decisions. Ability to follow specific instructions in gathering facts, data or resources in organizing required information. Ability to make decisions based upon fact-finding interviews within the parameters of the rules and policies of the agency. Ability to meet with clients and explain programs sponsored by the department or agency in which the position is located. Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.