The AFFCF Keys to Success (KTS) program was established to help youth ages 16 to 26 who are aging out of the foster care system receive the career, education, employment development, and life skills services they need to achieve personal and financial stability. Based on the premise that success can only be achieved through the identification of goals, the program provides each youth with a Career Development Specialist (CDS) who facilitates an in-depth career exploration and planning process, and then connects youth to the education and/or training, employment, and community resources required to eliminate barriers and secure living wage employment. 

Essential Functions Statements: These responsibilities are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the job functions required for this role.

• Use career exploration curriculum and variety of assessment tools to help youth identify their personality traits, skills, interests and values as they relate to exploring career options.
• Use assessment findings and the career interests of youth to explore several industries and occupations and help them discover the option(s) that most interest and suit him/her. 
• Help the youth access a variety of resources that will allow them to compare employment options in their top two to three fields of interest and how salaries align with their current and future life goals.  
• Develop an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each participant that includes goals in the following life domains: career, education, employment, independent living, and personal development.
• Once a career choice has been established the CDS will work with the KTS employment specialists to help the youth develop a detailed plan that will include the following: 
• Identification of education and training needs
• Finding education and training
• Payment for school or vocational training
• Opportunities to gain skills through volunteer work, entry level jobs, internships, and work-based learning
• CDS will work with youth, caregiver, current and or previous school or district and others on the Child and Family Team to locate transcripts, Individual Education Plans (IEP), or other education documents that are relevant to development of an education plan.
• The CDS helps youth identify and achieve educational goals by identifying needs/gaps, as well as resources. This work includes the following: 
• planning, coordinating, and implementing educational services and supports;
• interviewing youth, care giver(s), and school staff/teachers and, DCS case managers to develop an educational profile;
• reviewing transcripts to assist in identifying gaps in education and/or needed supports and ensuring education records are complete;
• assisting with transition to appropriate school placement, including high school/GED programs, vocational or training, and college; 
• maintaining communication with schools, districts and agencies about educational issues and barriers;
• advocating for youth’s educational rights and responding to requests for information; and 
• ensuring program activities and services are coordinated with partnering organizations and educational institutions.
• Communicate and collaborate with DCS Specialists and other members of the youth’s team while developing strategies and action steps for goal attainment. 
• Provide ongoing support to youth to encourage achievement of goals and connect them to community partners and services that offer opportunities and/or remove barriers. 
• Follow-up with youth and agencies as appropriate to document use/success of resources and referrals. 
• Input accurate and complete data for all Individual Service Plan goals, strategies, actions, and contacts with youth into KTS database. 
• Collaborate with the Program Director and other staff to evaluate needs of program youth and the ongoing development of the overall program.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field required. A minimum of 5 years of experience may substitute for degree requirements.

• A minimum of two years of previous experience serving youth preferred.
• Ability to advocate for the interests of clients and navigate complex systems. 
• Excellent time and task management skills required. 
• Possession of a Level 1 Fingerprint clearance card or ability to get on after offer of hire required
• Clean DMV record and proof of insurance. 
• Must reside in and be willing and able to drive throughout Phoenix and the West Valley to deliver services to youth in a community setting.  

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Diane Daily at ddaily@affcf.org