CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
$46,410 – $51,000 a year
POSITION SUMMARY
The Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success (PACES) Coach is responsible for supporting youth in foster care, ages 16-21, in their successful transition to and retention in post-secondary education, career technical education and workforce readiness. The PACES Coach will address academic needs for high school students in this population, assist with college and job applications and serve as a support system as these students continue in their adolescent development. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, maintaining a case load of 27 students, meeting regularly with students and connecting them to appropriate regional education and employment resources, maintaining student records, troubleshooting student difficulties and concerns, building relationships with post-secondary school contacts, employment sector contacts, Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P) caseworkers, adolescent providers and regional school districts, and developing workshops to assist in students’ skill development.
The employee must be able to provide accurate and clear descriptions of all scholarship programs administered by embrella. This includes answering telephone and email inquiries, as well as conducting presentations as needed.
The above listed job duties are a brief description for this position. The PACES Coach may be required to perform other tasks that are deemed necessary by the Director of Scholarship Programs.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED (Minimum education and experience needed to perform the job adequately)
· Master’s degree required in education, school counseling, or a related field
· Highly organized and detailed-oriented
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Knowledge of counseling theories in practice
· Knowledge of post-secondary education funding and college application process
· Knowledge of employment readiness skills
· Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
· Maintain positive working relationships with others
· Proficient in Microsoft Office with emphasis on Microsoft Word and Access preferred
· Must have reliable transportation and automobile insurance coverage as a commercial vehicle, or other designated coverage that allows staff to transport adolescents. embrella will provide a reimbursement for additional costs accrued due to this change.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL DESIRED:
· Experience working with adolescents ages 16-21
· Knowledge of special education services and resources
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties that occupy a major portion of time and importance in the job)
· Facilitate bi-weekly meetings with adolescents at student’s requested locations, including but not limited to resource home, transitional living program, independent living setting, on-campus at postsecondary institution, CP&P local office, libraries or other public settings, and weekly contacts with adolescents on caseload via phone, email or in-person
· Participate in group conferences with informal and formal supports to best match student needs with services at designated settings
· Assist students in developing academic skills and behaviors that lead to admission and retention in a post-secondary institution, such as guiding conversations on academic progress, financial costs and best-fit
· Coordinate appropriate educational testing opportunities for student, whether for supplemental instruction, college admissions preparation or standardized testing
· Advocate for student when supplemental instruction or tutoring is needed and connect student to resources
· Maintain complete files for all students, including documentation of all communication
· Establish and maintain a professional relationship with students, providers, education and employment related contacts and the Department of Children and Families
· Connect students to contacts, such as college retention programs, resources such as the New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN), and professionals on campus to promote engagement
· Aid in exploratory practices for education and employment options based on career interests or additional education advancement, such as job and/or college fairs
· Facilitate internships, job shadowing, volunteer or community service options to enhance adolescent’s employment performance
· Assist student in the completion of applications for postsecondary education programs, financial aid or employment applications
· Provide opportunities for students to develop skills such as communication, teamwork, networking, critical thinking and professional etiquette
· Serve as an informational liaison for embrella scholarship programs
· Conduct events and presentations to promote scholarship programs, embrella services, and primarily, the PACES Program model and tools for transitioning adolescents
· Maintain initiative in professional development by staying aware of statewide and regional trends in youth employment and education best practices
Please answer the following question in your cover letter when submitting a resume
1. Do you have experience working with young adults, ages 17-21?
2. Briefly describe post-secondary options available for adolescents. Please include education and employment preparation for these options.
3. Briefly describe your knowledge of post-secondary education funding, including federal and state grants.
4. How would you develop a positive working relationship with a resistant adolescent?
ADA SPECIFICATIONS (Physical demands that must be met in order to successfully complete the essential functions of the job)
This position is primarily sedentary and is located in the embrella office. There may be a minimal amount of lifting up to 20 lbs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear in person and on the telephone. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit and reach above the shoulders. This job requires the staff person to work evenings as needed.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
embrella is an equal employment opportunity employer and employs individuals based upon job qualifications regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, genetic testing, sexual orientation or affectation, age, veteran or military status, national origin, disability, atypical heredity cellular or blood trait or any other protected classification as established by applicable laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,410.00 – $51,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
Safety Protocols to deal with COVID-19 are in place.
Education:
- Master’s (Required)
Experience:
- knowledge of Counseling Theories: 1 year (Preferred)
- Post secondary education funding: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver’s License (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 50% (Preferred)
$22.37 – $24.12 an hour
POSITION SUMMARY
The Family Support Advocate is primarily responsible for providing support and advocacy services for prospective and licensed kinship and resource families. This individual is responsible for researching and applying knowledge of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) standards, policies and procedures to mediate and help resolve issues between families and DCF. This includes explaining information to families, arranging and attending meetings with DCF staff and families, and preparing correspondence.
This individual is expected to conduct outreach to develop and enhance connections with families and promote embrella services. He or she must have the ability to build and maintain rapport with families, DCF staff and other service providers.
This individual is also responsible for assisting with presenting educational courses as well as updating and/or developing educational courses.
This job requires the staff person to work some evenings and weekends. Working hours will be split between the agency and off-site work locations throughout New Jersey. The above listed job duties are a brief description for this position. The Family Support Advocate may be required to perform other tasks that are deemed necessary by the Family Support Manager and/or Director of Family Support.
**Please answer the following questions in a cover letter when you submit your resume.**
- Describe your experience mediating and resolving issues on behalf of a client or program participant.
- What is your knowledge and understanding of NJ Division of Child Protection & Permanency (CP&P)?
- Briefly describe your experience facilitating meetings and/or conducting presentations for various group sizes.
- embrella’s office is located in Princeton in Middlesex County; however, this position will spend approximately 60% of the time in the field working out of CP&P offices within Middlesex & Union counties. This position is 100% remote during the coronavirus pandemic and thereafter will return partial in office work. Is this a requirement that you can meet?
- This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours. Is this a requirement that you can meet?
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED (Minimum education and experience needed to perform the job adequately)
- Bachelor’s degree required. Experience may be considered in-lieu of a degree.
- Highly organized and detailed-oriented
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Has the ability to speak and present to diverse populations
- Ability to work independently in the field and with minimal on-site supervision
- Be able to primarily work independently or in groups if need be with minimal supervision
- Has a proven ability to work with and meet tight deadlines
- Has the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to research information, programs and services
- Understanding of basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL DESIRED:
- Knowledge of DCF policies and procedures
- Knowledge of statewide programs and services
- Knowledge of online and webinar platforms
- Proficiency in citations and referencing as appropriate to the field of study
- Bilingual – Spanish
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties that occupy a major portion of time and importance in the job)
- Advocates for families and connects them with embrella and/or outside resources
- Responds clearly, professionally and accurately to all contacts (i.e. phone, email, in-person) in a timely manner
- Maintains accurate and complete database records and files in a timely manner
- Researches and interprets DCF standards, policies and procedures to effectively mediate and help resolve issues between families and DCF
- Coordinates, attends and facilitates meetings with families, DCF and/or other outside agencies
- Maintains a positive working relationship with all eternal stakeholders, including Department of Children and Families
- Conducts targeted outreach to promote embrella services and programs, including conductingnetworkingmeetings and educational presentations
- Researches, develops and updates educational courses and materials relevant to families and youth
- Performs administrative tasks as needed
ADA SPECIFICATIONS (Physical demands that must be met in order to successfully complete the essential functions of the job)
This position is assigned to a specific CP&P area with rotating work locations (i.e. CP&P Local and Area Offices, Family Success Centers and embrella’s office). There may be a minimal amount of lifting up to 20 lbs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, in person and on the telephone. A majority of the day is spent sitting and working at the computer or meeting with contacts in the community. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach above shoulders. This job requires the staff person to work evenings and weekends as needed.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
embrella is an equal employment opportunity employer and employs individuals based upon job qualifications regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, genetic testing, sexual orientation or affectation, age, veteran or military status, national origin, disability, atypical heredity cellular or blood trait or any other protected classification as established by applicable laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.37 – $24.12 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
Covid Safety Protocols are in place.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver’s License (Required)