JOB OVERVIEW

Make a meaningful difference for youth in foster care.

Foster First is seeking a caring, dependable, and bilingual Youth Partner to support our Yakima foster care program. This position works directly with youth and foster families throughout Yakima, Klickitat, and Kittitas Counties and is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, supporting young people, and responding calmly and effectively when challenges arise.

Applicants must live in Yakima County or the surrounding area and must be fluent in English and Spanish, with the ability to speak, read, and write effectively in both languages.

In this role, you will provide case-related support to approximately 4–8 youth, assist with supervision and transportation, support foster families, and respond to after-hours and crisis situations during evenings and weekends. You will work closely with Case Managers, foster parents, and community partners to help youth achieve goals identified in their supervision and safety plans and Individual Service and Treatment Plans (ISTPs).

The position includes both scheduled and on-call responsibilities and may involve working in the office, foster homes, community settings, and other locations where youth need support.

In addition to hourly pay for hours worked, employees receive a $100 stipend for each scheduled weekend of After-Hours and Crisis Response coverage.

Applicants must be available to work evenings and weekends as part of the After-Hours and Crisis Response rotation.

WHAT WE OFFER

Medical, dental, vision, and AD&D insurance
401(k) plan with a
50% employer matching contribution
Flexible work schedule
$50 monthly phone stipend
$100 weekend stipend when scheduled for After-Hours and Crisis Response
Meaningful work supporting youth and families in our community

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

As a Youth Partner, you will:

Build supportive, professional relationships with youth and foster families.
Provide individualized case time and behavioral support as directed by the Case Manager.
Make home and community visits to support youth and monitor progress toward case-plan goals.
Provide youth supervision during trainings, meetings, appointments, and other activities.
Respond to after-hours and crisis situations using trauma-informed and Right Response de-escalation principles.
Transport youth to visits, respite placements, medical appointments, activities, and other approved destinations.
Support and supervise visits between youth, parents, siblings, and other significant individuals when assigned.
Help foster families strengthen communication, parenting skills, stress management, and household routines.
Connect youth and families with community resources and available supports.
Participate in community activities with youth to encourage positive experiences, skill development, and engagement.
Maintain timely, accurate, and professional case documentation.
Communicate concerns, significant observations, and changes in youth needs to the assigned Case Manager or Program Manager.
Collaborate with Case Managers, foster parents, and community partners to support youth safety, stability, and success.
Assist with recruitment, retention, program activities, and other assignments as needed.
Complete 30 hours of ongoing training annually.

SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY

This is not a traditional 8-to-5 position. Flexibility is an important part of supporting youth and foster families when they need us most.

Candidates must be available for some evening and weekend work, including participation in the After-Hours and Crisis Response rotation. Crisis response may occur in homes, community settings, or other non-traditional work locations.

Reliable transportation is essential because this position includes travel throughout Yakima and surrounding communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must:

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential.
Be fluent in English and Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing.
Have at least one year of documented experience working with children or youth.

Qualifying experience may include work in:

Licensed childcare, daycare, or professional nanny settings
Schools or early-learning programs
Mental health or behavioral health settings
Juvenile rehabilitation, detention, corrections, or law enforcement
Child placing agencies or residential care programs
Licensed foster care
Supervised visitation programs
Community-based organizations serving children and families

Two years of social services education may substitute for the one-year experience requirement.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

The ability to work effectively with children and youth with behavioral, emotional, or other support needs
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Good judgment and problem-solving abilities
The ability to remain calm and professional during stressful or crisis situations
Strong organization and time-management skills
The ability to work independently while also contributing to a team

LICENSES & EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must:

Hold a valid Washington State driver's license
Have reliable transportation and current auto insurance
Maintain an acceptable driving record
Successfully pass required DCYF background checks
Become certified in CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) within three months of employment
Complete a TB test within 15 days of hire

Foster First does not cover the cost of CPR/First Aid training or the required TB test.

ABOUT FOSTER FIRST

Foster First is a nonprofit Child Placing Agency providing foster care and Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS) to children and families. BRS provides intensive, wraparound support designed to promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes for youth with higher support needs.

Founded in 2003 as Community Resource Group, we began serving children and families in the Yakima and Wenatchee areas. In 2019, we became Foster First and continued expanding our commitment to youth and families throughout Washington.

Today, Foster First serves communities across Yakima, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Benton, Grant, and Klickitat Counties.

Our mission is simple but powerful: “Empowering youth and families for life-long success.” We believe every young person deserves meaningful relationships, opportunities to grow, and the support needed to build a successful future.

JOIN OUR TEAM

If you are looking for more than just a job—and want an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth in foster care—we encourage you to apply and become part of the Foster First team.

Foster First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, age, marital or nursing mother status, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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