Foster Youth Resource Director (LCSW)

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/LCSW (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. 

While an LCSW is required, 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 YMCA's Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings. 

Clinical Oversight and Staff Support 

• Recruit and provide clinical supervision and guidance to program volunteers and interns working directly with foster youth  
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans for foster youth as needed.  
• Offer crisis intervention, 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 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California required. 
• Minimum of five (5+) years of experience working with foster youth, including at least three (3) 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. 
• Proficiency in case management software and data analysis. 
• Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures, safety and risk management.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Salary Range is $90,000–$105,000. 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/LCSW. 

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.