Preparing Youth Adulthood Specialist

Title: PYA SPECIALIST, ENHANCED FAMILY FOSTER CARE Reports To: FAIR FUTURES SUPERVISOR, ENHANCED Family FOSTER CARE Location: 7 West Burnside, Bronx, New York 10453 Hours: 35 Hours/Week; Non- Exempt (Position requires in office days. Hybrid Schedules are based on program needs and at leadership discretion) Salary Range: 50-55K Salary commensurate with relevant experience and post graduate education Job Summary: The Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Specialist will work collectively with other interdisciplinary staff including Coaches, Housing Specialist, Education Specialist, Case Planner, and Career Development & College Specialist to provide necessary services and guidance to young people to achieve permanency and transition successfully into adulthood. Duties and Responsibilities * Oversight of all PYA related activities and trainings for youth 14 and older. * Oversight of tracking sheets for Transition Plans for all youth 17 and older. * Coordinate and facilitate 90-Day Transitional Discharge Conferences. * Plan and facilitate PYA workshops for young people pertaining to independent living skills monthly. PYA workshops include but are not limited to the following areas: preventive health & wellness, problem solving and accessing community resources, housing and budgeting, vocation and employment, educational support, forming and sustaining positive relationships. * Conduct community outreach and establish relationships with service providers to foster youth development specific to preparing youth for adulthood. * Coordinate and facilitate trainings for staff relative to PYA skills, Transition Plans, etc. * Complete and submit monthly PYA and Discharge Checklists for youth 17 and older. * Complete Daily Living Checklists with youth 17 and older. * Maintain communication with ACS APPLA Program Evaluator and attend quarterly compliance meetings. * Attend home visits as deemed necessary to engage participants. * Initiate and maintain effective liaisons with community organizations and service providers to advance youth development goals. * Maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with young people ages 16 through 26. * Outreach and recruit youth to join the Youth Advisory Board (YAB). * Implement the Fair Futures Model and attend mandatory agency and Fair Futures trainings. * Plan and participate in recreational events. * Oversight of tracking sheets for external events and workshops. * Conduct credit checks on the three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for youth 14 and older. * Participate in conferences, including but not limited to, Family Team Conferences, discharge planning, and Continuation of Care and Support Beyond Age 21 conferences. * Attend and participate in regular program and team meetings and provide progress updates. * Work collaboratively with Case Planners to assist youth with obtaining their vital documents including birth certificate, social security card, working papers, Passports, and government issued identification. * Maintain accurate documentation and complete the timely entry of progress notes into CONNECTIONS and Care4 in accordance with state and agency standard. * Prepare reports for internal and external shareholders as required. * Maintain tracking sheets and keep them updated on the intranet group site including SharePoint and OneDrive. * Conduct outreach for youth surveys/questionnaires. * Collaborate with College/Career Specialist around activities related to employment/internships for youth 17 and up. * Recruiting and identifying internships for youth including IPP and MIP internships. * Collaborate with College/Career Specialist to recruit and identify partner worksites for the GSS Internship Partnership Program. * Accompanying young people to events, interviews, and other opportunities which promote preparation for adulthood and self-sufficiency. * Participate in Education Roundtable meetings and complete the template. * Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture. * Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment. * Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: * Bachelors degree required. * Experience working with adolescents/young adults. * Familiarity with a range of independent living skills and ability to teach others such skills. * Strong group facilitation and/or teaching skills required. * Ability to work with diverse staff and young people. * Excellent verbal and written communication. * Excellent organizational skills * Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel. * Must have a commitment to work from a strength based, Youth & Family Development perspective. * Field work is required. * Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgement, and prioritize skills. * Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings. General Requirements: All staff is expected to be committed to the mission, vision, and values of Good Shepherd Services, which includes involvement in quality improvement activities and a willingness and ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.

Created: 2026-04-15