Foster Youth Resource DirectorMSW or ACSW

Foster Youth Resource Director/LCSW

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (YMCA) has been making a positive impact in communities for over 143 years with 28 centers stretching across over 100 miles of Los Angeles County from Antelope Valley to San Pedro. The YMCA is a cornerstone of the community committed to strengthening the spirit mind and body for all. With a network of diverse staff and volunteers they are drive by a mission to create inclusive impactful programs that transform lives.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Foster Youth Resource Director/MSW or ACSW (Director) is a visionary leader with foster care expertise who can bring creative solutions and innovative thinking to spearhead our Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative. This position involves designing implementing and overseeing a range of programs that support the well-being personal growth and successful transition to adulthood for foster youth with a particular emphasis ages 18-26. The Director will collaborate with various stakeholders including foster care agencies schools community partners and YMCA staff to create a comprehensive support system that aligns with the mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and addresses the unique needs of foster youth. This is a macro-level leadership position focused on systems change program development and strategic partnerships.

This role does not include direct clinical practice or traditional caseload work. The ideal candidate will have both clinical knowledge and demonstrated success in program development and organizational leadership.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development Implementation and Strategic Planning

• Design and develop innovative programs that address the specific needs of foster youth (ages 12-17) and transitioning age youth (ages 18-24) including including but not limited to life skills training educational support mental health services workforce and career development.
• Create a diverse range of activities workshops and support groups that cater to different age groups and developmental stages within the foster youth population and their foster/resource parents.
• Develop long-term strategies for empowering foster youth and supporting their transition to adulthood.
• Regularly evaluate program impact and adapt strategies based on outcome data and emerging best practices in foster youth support.
• Implement robust data collection systems to track program outcomes and measure the impact of initiatives on foster youth well-being and success.
• Prepare regular reports for organizational leadership funders and community partners.

Budget and Scale Management

• Manage program budgets including allocation of resources for materials activities and support services.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities including grants and partnerships to support program expansion and sustainability.
• Work towards scaling the Foster Youth Initiative to increase additional resources for additional staffing support.
• Once scaled up build a reliable team of program coordinators case managers and support staff providing guidance support and professional development opportunities.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Establish and maintain partnerships with foster care agencies schools mental health providers and other community organizations/partners to create a comprehensive support network for foster youth.
• Collaborate with YMCA staff volunteers other youth-serving departments within the YMCA and program mentors to ensure effective program implementation and youth engagement.
• Ensure programs are accessible and appealing to foster youth through effective outreach and engagement strategies.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of foster youth within the YMCA and broader community as a representative of YMCAs Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative at community events conferences and stakeholder meetings.

Oversight and Staff Support

• Recruit and provide supervision and guidance to program volunteers and interns working directly with foster youth
• Conduct assessments and responsive plans for foster youth as needed.
• Offer trauma-informed care and support for youth experiencing mental health challenges.
• Foster a collaborative and trauma-informed work environment that prioritizes the needs of foster youth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW or ACSW).
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with foster youth including at least two (2) years in program management/operations in child welfare mental health or related non-profit arena.
• Infant Child Adult CPR & AED and Basic First Aid certified or willing to obtain the certification within 60 days of hire (certification courses available free of charge through the YMCA for all employees).
• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices for working with foster youth.
• Strong knowledge of the foster care system child welfare policies and adolescent development.
• Experience in program design and evaluation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures safety and risk management.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range is $75000$85000. The position is an in-office position located in Lancaster California. Benefit package includes Medical Dental Vision 10% Y Retirement Fund contribution (upon eligibility) plus access to a Y Retirement 403(b) Smart Account paid training and leadership development and tuition assistance. Other benefits include 10 Paid Holidays free facility access to 28 greater LA branches before and after school childcare sports and youth classes paid annual Wellbeing Day 20% off LA Y programs 25% off day camp for your child paid sick leave and more.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender race religion national origin sexual orientation gender orientation or different ability.

Envision Consulting was retained by The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to conduct the search for their incoming Foster Youth Resource Director/MSW or ACSW.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at626.889.7905to request and arrange for assistance.