Life Skills Specialist (AIP)

The Life Skill Specialist in Bucks County Adolescent Initiative Program is responsible for the initiation and coordination of a program of broad and practical educational activities designed to prepare adolescents in placement for their successful entry into independent living. The Life Skills Specialist transport youth and conducts routine home visits to the youth in their place of residence and attends court hearings as needed. Work hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, with some evening hours and include once a month Youth Advisory Board meetings. Hours may vary according to department needs and include once a month Youth Advisory Board Meetings. This position reports directly to the supervisor of the Adolescent Initiative Program. Regular travel through Bucks County and some surrounding counties is required.

 

 

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.

 

EXPERIENCE:

One year experience in social work, education or related field. Previous experience in child welfare preferred. Bi-lingual a plus (Spanish/English).

 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of, and concern for, the problems of adolescents in our society, especially dependent children.

· Knowledge of, and ability to access, community resources.

· Ability to facilitate groups and work independently.

· Ability to work cooperatively with a diversified team.

· Ability to plan for, find presenters and teach life skills and soft skills classes to youth

· Ability to transport youth

· Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with clients, coworkers and visits.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of youth and to assist in emergencies.

· Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgement and prioritize skills

· Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion dealing with confidential information.

 

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENCES, REGISTRATION:

Must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

 

· Develop and maintain contact with all collateral agencies.

· Complete intakes within two weeks of referral.

· Coordination of all group activities/life skills classes, including: securing a physical space, engaging consultants, obtaining resource information and coordinating transportation.

· Development of additional resources to enhance existing program.

· Follow-up with all referring agencies indicating client issues and/or changes in the program or curriculum.

· Consistently meets with Supervisor to review practice, services, client progress, and agency procedures.

· Adherence to agency time lines for all internal and external reports.

· Facilitate life skills and soft skills groups and participate in all Adolescent Initiative Program activities, including monthly case reviews at Bucks County Children & Youth and monthly Youth Advisory Board meetings/activities.

· Assisting youth with college/career planning including helping youth complete college and FASFA applications and taking youth on college tours.

· Participate in school meetings, Family Group Decision Making meetings and attend court with youth to be a support to both Bucks County Children and Youth and client.

Engage in Our Community