Family Partner (Basic Center)

Reports To:

Assistant Program Director Classification:

Non-Exempt Rate of Pay:

$21.25/hour

Schedule:

Sunday- Thursday; Flexible as needed to meet the needs of youth and families. Job Summary As a Family Partner, you'll build meaningful, lasting relationships with families while providing intensive, individualized support to help youth achieve their goals and remain safely at home. You'll serve as a trusted resource and primary point of contact, coordinating services, supporting crisis needs, and connecting families with community resources. Through CEDARS' Basic Center Program and Pioneers Center, you'll help prevent homelessness, strengthen families, reunite youth with caregivers when possible, and provide short-term emergency shelter and stabilization for youth ages 12-18. To prevent youth from being placed outside the home, CEDARS offers the Basic Center Program (BCP) to families who are not involved in Child Welfare or the Juvenile Justice System. BCP is part of a continuum of supports and services available at CEDARS for youth at risk of housing instability and homelessness.

BCP can provide the following:

(a) in-home support to families in effort to prevent disruption or placement outside the home; (b) help reuniting young people with their families, whenever possible; and/or (c) up to 21 days of shelter through Pioneers Center. Pioneers Center serves as the only short-term emergency shelter for kids (ages 12-18) who do not have immediate access to another safe living arrangement in southeast Nebraska. Kids may be referred to the Pioneers Center because of a history of abuse, neglect or domestic violence; alternative to juvenile detention; interruption of a foster care placement; homelessness; hospitalization of a parent/guardian; or for short-term stabilization. In addition, 90 days of aftercare is provided following discharge.

Responsibilities:

Provide case management in collaboration with youth, parents, and/or legal guardians. Conduct and coordinate assessments and develop a service plan for assigned families. Meet regularly with the child/youth, their families, and relevant team members. Responsible for providing assistance with completing child/youth and family goals as directed in the service plan, as well as providing specified in-home support. Guide program participants through the process of applying economic benefits and accessing resources and other services as needed. Serve as a resource for the youth and family, be knowledgeable about all services internal to CEDARS, and have a working knowledge of external services available throughout the community. School-based outreach Provide transportation to and from school, appointments, activities or visits. Maintain good working relationships with landlords, community partners, and resources to maintain housing stability. Be available as needed to provide on-call support, consultation, and services at varying times of the day and evening. Random drop ins and curfew checks as needed at youth's apartments. Responsible for providing applicable documentation and progress reports. Participate in staff meetings, clinical consultations, trainings, and case coordination with authorizing agency and other community sources. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors. Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS. Maintain confidentiality of clients served by this organization and professional boundaries in the provision of services. Treat all clients with dignity and respect.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field. 2 years of experience working with children and families is preferred. Knowledge of trauma informed care. Knowledge of transitional housing, rent wise, economic benefits, community resources and parenting skills. A collaborative team member who enjoys building relationships with others but also has the ability to work independently. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills. Ability to sit, talk, listen, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and use their hands Ability to ascend/descend stairs to navigate apartment sites. Ability to exert 30 to 50 pounds of force occasionally by coordinating assistance from other staff as this position frequently moves boxes and furniture for various needs. Ability to ascend/descend stairs to navigate apartment sites. Valid Nebraska driver's license and a good driving record. As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures. Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth. At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.