LifeTies, Inc. is a Mercer County, 501(c)3 non-profit established in 1982. Helping struggling adolescents and young adults successfully transition into adulthood. LifeTies, Inc. is a supportive network of professional staff and trained volunteers dedicated to creating programs for youth to overcome the effects of abuse, neglect or homelessness. Our programs offer a nurturing, safe environment to heal, learn and become equipped with the tools to work towards a brighter future.

The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for serving as the agency's lead in promoting our goal for assisting our youth with transitioning to forever homes. The FES facilitates activities and events in conjunction with youth, families, treatment teams, and community providers to promote family involvement and engagement. The FES will utilize training and knowledge of family finding and engagement strategies to promote reunification between youth in treatment and biological or fictive kin.  Other duties include:

• Attending family court sessions with youth and families
• Facilitating and tracking family communications
• Facilitating supervised visits with youth and families
• Completing family home visits in preparation for youth overnight stays
• Providing parents/families education using the Nurtured Heart Approach & Nurturing Families techniques
• Ensuring communication with DCP&P case workers and adoption specialists; Care Managers, and community organizations (like the FSO) that support the needs of youth/families
• Providing referrals for services for parents/family members of youth
• Integrating fathers in treatment with pregnant/parenting youth
• Case management responsibilities

• A Bachelor's degree (preferably in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology);
• CSWE internship can commensurate for 1 year experience.
• A minimum of 3 years experience working with youth and families. 
• Understanding of family courts, DCP&P involvement and the function of the CMO is a plus. 
• Bilingual (Spanish speaking)- PREFERRED!!
• Exemplary organizational and time management skills.
• Capability to work independently, develop strategies and build alliances to reach established goals.
• Strong written, oral communication and public speaking skills.
• The ability to communicate with and empower youth/families.
• Strong computer skills.
• Willingness to work some evenings and occasional weekends to accommodate working families.

Core Competencies:

• Networking
• Advocacy
• Person-centered care
• Detailed-oriented
• Teamwork
• Professionalism and Ethical standards

Accountability:The Family Engagement Specialist reports to the Director of Group Home Services; and collaborates with all members of the Group Home Administrative and Case Management Teams.

Employee Classification:  Full-time (40 hours a week).

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

LifeTies, Inc. is an EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) employer.  LifeTies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training