OKSA Helpline - Tulsa

The University of Oklahoma is one of the best places to work in the United States and one of the top employers in the state of Oklahoma, according to Forbes!  We provide a positive culture, health/well-being benefits, meaningful and purposeful work, flexible work hours, a remote/hybrid option, and more than four weeks of paid leave each year.

The National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS) at the University of Oklahoma has improved human services' effectiveness for more than 50 years. NRCYS provides training and technical assistance to programs in Oklahoma and nationally. Specializing in training and consultation, NRCYS is a youth service philosophy, best practices, and youth engagement leader. 

Position Summary:

This position supports the Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program (OKSA). It will assist eligible current and former foster youth's transition into adulthood through various services, including individualized assistance and connection to statewide resources and services. This position provides specialized consultation to young people and professionals, functioning as a subject matter expert in youth engagement, transition planning, life skills education, and statewide community resources. Our goal is to ensure that young people have the tools and resources needed for a successful transition to adulthood and are empowered to plan for their future outside of foster care. The ideal candidate will need to possess a positive attitude, be customer service-oriented, have strong communication skills, and enjoy talking to people daily.

Duties:

• Answer the statewide toll-free Helpline during office hours and provide customer service to youth and young adults in a trauma-informed, supportive fashion while connecting them with available resources and supports to assist them in successfully transitioning out of foster care. 
• Maintain procedural documents and develop tools and resources to support accurate and efficient documentation of services tracked through the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). Provide written and verbal technical assistance to youth and young adults who are part of the assigned NYTD cohort. 
• Determine eligibility of youth who request services, set up cases in the Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) KIDS and OKSA databases, submit referrals to community partners, maintaining accurate records of all services.
• Maintain knowledge and skills about legislation, best practices, and trends in child, youth, and family services. Identify, facilitate, and participate in internal and external collaborations on current trends, best practices, and program development through meetings, telephone, and email correspondence. 
• Provide consultation to adult partners on how to complete OKSA related tasks, provide trauma-informed services, and encourage positive youth development. 
• Write professional correspondence and develop best practice tools and resources to support service delivery and understanding. 
• Uphold, safeguard, and engage in activities to support the University's mission, NRCYS vision, mission, values, and core principles of NRCYS.

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree, AND:

• 12 months experience in community outreach activities or health education.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of experience in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree for a total of 60 months experience.

Required Skills and Proficiencies:

• Demonstrable youth/adult engagement skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (including the ability to deliver high-quality customer service and participate in cross-departmental work teams).
• Highly proficient with computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Effectively convey information clearly and concisely utilizing both oral and written communication.
• Possess a proactive mindset with the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and exercise professional judgment.
• Knowledge of statewide service systems (mental health, community-based services, child welfare, education, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to provide high-quality services while managing multiple projects under strict deadlines.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development (including knowledge of accessing child welfare legislation and continuing education resources).
• Cultural humility and responsiveness knowledge and skills, including understanding its relevance to providing consultation.

Departmental Preferences:

• Master's degree in human services, social work, or a closely related field and experience in: 
• Experience collaborating with public and private child welfare and/or child and youth-serving organizations.
• Knowledge regarding environmental and relational permanency.
• National child welfare federal legislation, practices, policies, and initiatives.
• Data collection and management. 

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma, fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.