Youth Partner

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 Tri-Cities foster care program. This position will begin as on-call, with the potential to transition into a part-time role as program needs and caseload increase. Applicants must live in the Tri-Cities area and be fluent in English and Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing.

The Youth Partner works directly with youth and foster families by providing individualized case time, behavioral support, supervision, transportation, and after-hours and crisis response. The position is expected to begin with approximately 2–4 youth, with the potential to increase to 4–8 youth as the program grows. You will work closely with Case Managers, foster parents, and community partners to support each youth’s safety, stability, and individual goals.

This role includes both scheduled and on-call responsibilities in foster homes, community settings, and other locations where youth need support. Evening and weekend availability is required. Employees receive a $100 stipend for each scheduled weekend of After-Hours and Crisis Response coverage, in addition to hourly pay for hours worked.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 401(k) plan with a 50% employer matching contribution
• Flexible work schedule based on program and caseload needs
• $50 monthly phone stipend
• $100 weekend stipend when scheduled for After-Hours and Crisis Response
• Meaningful work supporting youth and foster families in the 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. This position begins as on-call, with scheduled hours based on youth, caseload, and program needs. Candidates must be available for some evening and weekend work, including participation in the After-Hours and Crisis Response rotation. Candidates must be able to travel to the Foster First Yakima office for orientation and onboarding, mandatory meetings, and some trainings. 

As the Tri-Cities program and caseload grow, this position may transition into a part-time role with more consistent weekly hours. Crisis response and case-related services may occur in foster homes, community settings, offices, or other non-traditional work locations. Reliable transportation is essential because this position includes travel throughout the Tri-Cities, Benton, Grant, Walla Walla, and Asotin County. 

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.

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.