In Allegheny County, we appreciate people who think big, act boldly, and care about making a difference. You don't have to be from here to feel at home, or to make your mark. With only 1.3 million people in the County, it's small enough for motivated people to get things done. Allegheny County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is a perfect place to get things done that directly affect people in need in a positive and lasting way.

Overview

We are seeking Educational Liaisons to work with youth, aged 14-24, who are or have been placed in foster care, residential or group home placements through the Child Welfare System. The Educational Liaison will work with youth to develop individualized plans to improve their academic achievement, attendance, and post-secondary opportunities and success. Candidates should be enthusiastic about the learning process and committed to working with diverse populations. Local travel, plus the willingness and ability to work some evenings, as assigned by the supervisor, is required. Additional responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring each youth has a complete educational portfolio that is documented and regularly updated in Synergy.
• Evaluating youth's abilities, interests and talents to develop academic and career goals.
• Advising youth on college majors, admission requirements, financial aid and technical school options.
• Assisting youth with completion of all requisite forms, (i.e., financial aid forms, college and scholarship applications) and securing of other necessary documentation (i.e., dependency verifications, immunization records, etc.).
• Maintaining ongoing contact with youth.
• Collaborating with Children, Youth and Families caseworkers, foster parents, residential staff and school personnel
• Actively encouraging youth participation in DHS programs.
• Attending DHS evening functions, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Helping youth understand and deal with social, behavioral and personal problems.
• Managing caseloads and closing out cases, as appropriate.
• Facilitating completion of the National Youth in Transition (NYTD) survey by eligible youth.
• Meeting the mandatory minimum requirement of 10-15 face-to-face youth contacts per week.
• Attending court hearings and other planning meetings, as appropriate.
• Participating in conciliation meetings.

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of educational law.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially regarding the ability to engage youth in programming and services offered by DHS.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with students and professional colleagues.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, dependent upon the needs of the youth and as assigned by the supervisor.

• It is innovative. Most recently, the national attention and awards we've gotten are for how DHS integrates data and uses them to improve the safety and well-being of children through tools that support front-line staff in making decisions (using predictive analytics).
• DHS is diverse, but we strive to be even more inclusive. Our director has made it her top priority that DHS is "the kind of place where a diverse group of talented people want to come, grow, and do their best work." This includes equity in hiring and advancement, as well as in unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level of DHS.
• It has strong, assertive leaders. We do not hire yes-people.