Human Services Program Development Specialist Extended Foster Care

The Extended Foster Care Review (FCR) Specialist reports to the Permanency and Youth Services Manager and is responsible for coordination/facilitation of the administrative review panel for young adults in extended foster addition this position ensures young adults in the extended foster care program have the support services and quality case management needed to successfully transition to adulthood. This position models the Youth Thrive culture and philosophy when working with young adults and Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialists.

• Completes case reviews and meetings with young adults young adults supports and DCS Specialists. Researches analyzes writes updates monitors and coordinates information related to the review. Works on improvements and quality assurance processes for program.
  
• Compiles programmatic and fiscal requirements for assigned areas of responsibility including preparing programmatic reports and developing/monitoring goals outcomes and benchmarks.
  
• Utilizes policies and procedures to support the program and improvement initiatives. Contributes and develops tools and practice guides that aid staff in the understanding and implementation of the program.
  
• Facilitates and/or participates in program-related meetings committees and work groups with internal/external stakeholders on practice improvement initiatives. Provides technical assistance to field/external staff to support best practice in the field and promote program development within the agency.
  
• Works collaboratively with federal and state evaluators for program and serves as an advocate for the young adults and DCS Specialists in collaboration with outside stakeholders.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Federal state and local programs and resources regarding area of assignment
  
• Social services
  
• Terminology of Arizonas child welfare system processes including Youth Thrive Framework
  
• DCS policies and procedures
  
• Child welfare policies
  
• General policies pertaining to investigating reports of abuse/neglect
  
• Trauma informed practice
  
• Group facilitation and conflict resolution
  
• DCS related programs program planning group dynamics and evaluation process
  

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication
  
• Interviewing and eliciting information
  
• Organization and managing workload
  
• Problem identification and solution
  
• Decision making and conflict resolution
  
• Facilitating and coordinating culturally diverse meetings
  
• Interviewing
  
• Evaluating and interpreting
  
• Assessing safety and risk

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with young adults DCS Specialists other programs agencies and departments
  
• Write and speak with clarity and effectiveness
  
• Multi-task
  
• Represent and make appropriate decisions for DCS when working as a liaison in regards to interactions with DCS Staff other agency personnel and community partners and providers
  
• Analyze complex and detailed information
  
• Prioritize work load
  
• Make independent decisions
  
• Collect enter and interpret data
  
• Travel in-state
  
• Work alternate hours to include weekends and evenings at the discretion of the supervisor
  
• Follow program policies procedures rules regulations and group processes

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in education social work psychology counseling or other related fields with 3-5 years of experience working directly with young people in Arizonas foster care system (Masters degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above mentioned fields will substitute for one year of experience)

Requires the possession of and ability to retain a current valid state-issued drivers license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R.11). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration. Mileage may be reimbursed if applicable.

Must be able to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card; must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical dental life and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule employees enjoy improved work/life balance report higher job satisfaction and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting or by email at Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at or by email at The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.