Job Description

Overview

As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Assistant Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay: $21.25/hour 

Schedule: M-F 40 hours per week to meet the needs of the clients with occasional after hours and ongoing on call rotation

Job Summary

The Bridges Transitional Living Program offers safe housing and supportive services to homeless youth (ages 17-22), probation and state ward youth (ages 17-19) and pregnant and parenting youth who are homeless (ages 18-24), for whom independent living is identified as the service goal. Additionally, permanent supportive housing is available in the southeast service area for youth (ages 19 - 24) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Bridges Family Partners provide case management services and life skills development for participants. Staff support youth in increasing their financial stability, improving their wellness, and reaching greater self-determination. Additionally, our Family Partners work closely with community stakeholders and other resources to bridge service gaps and meet the needs of the program participants. 

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for Bridges Program participants.
• Review documentation to assist with determining youth’s eligibility for the program prior to program entry.
• Determine youth’s eligibility for the program prior to program entry.
• Complete intakes and in-depth assessments at program entry.
• Develop youth driven service plans.
• Coordinate care and advocate for youth’s needs.
• Responsible for providing applicable documentation and progress reports.
• Conduct visits in the youth’s apartments to ensure compliance with lease and program expectations.
• Develop and maintain enduring relationships with assigned youth.
• Maintain good working relationships with landlords, community partners, and resources to maintain housing stability.
• Guide program participants through the process of application, qualification, and re-determination for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other services as needed.
• Obtain a working knowledge of services available to youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Be available as needed to provide on-call support, consultation, and services at varying times of the day and evening.
• Random drop ins and curfew checks as needed at youth's apartments.
• Lifting and moving furniture as client needs dictate. This can occur as clients vacate and/or move into an apartment upon discharge or intake.
• Deep clean apartments.
• Loading /unloading in-kind donations.
• Participate in staff meetings, clinical consultations, trainings, and case coordination with authorizing agency and other community sources.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field.
• 2 years of experience working with children and families is preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care.
• Knowledge of transitional housing, rent wise, economic benefits, community resources and parenting skills. 
• A collaborative team member who enjoys building relationships with others, but also has the ability to work independently. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills. 
• Ability to sit, talk, listen, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and use their hands
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs to navigate apartment sites.
• Ability to exert 30 to 50 pounds of force occasionally by coordinating assistance from other staff as this position frequently moves boxes and furniture for various needs.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs to navigate apartment sites.
• Valid Nebraska driver’s license and a good driving record.

Education Requirements (All)

Bachelor's Degree Required

Additional Information / Benefits

As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• medical, dental, and vision coverages

• flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts

• personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays

• retirement plan with 5% company match

• life & long-term disability insurance

• employee assistance program

• wellness and engagement program

• early childhood childcare discount

• opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired

• shift differentials for overnight hours worked and holidays

• mileage reimbursement

• extensive training and professional development opportunities

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Long Term Disability, 401K/403b Plan, Childcare Discount