Youth Engagement Specialist

Department

Florida Institute for Child Welfare

Responsibilities

Collaborate with researchers and program leads to ensure youth lived experience is embedded in strategic planning and project design.

Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise a small team of OPS or contracted individuals with youth lived experience, providing mentorship and ensuring alignment with FICW's mission.
• Support professional development and capacity-building for youth lived experience contributors.

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Assistance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for youth-serving agencies seeking engagement with FICW.
• Connect internal teams with appropriate individuals or groups with youth lived experience.
• Represent FICW in local, state, and national work groups and events focused on youth lived experience in child welfare.

Research Collaboration & Participant Support

• Co-develop study methodologies that authentically incorporate youth lived experience.
• Conduct informal listening tours and formal focus groups/interviews across Florida to gather insights from youth with lived experience.
• Serve as (or appoint) a liaison for youth lived experience research participants to ensure ethical and supportive engagement.
• Participate in implementation teams for new research projects with direct or indirect involvement with or impact on youth.

Communications & Public Affairs

• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Public Affairs to develop communication products and events that resonate with youth with lived experience.
• Support the planning and execution of FICW-hosted events that directly involve youth lived experts.
• Develop and oversee the lived experience scholarship process for youth, including promotion, selection, and follow-up.

Program & Professional Development

• Participate in the design and rollout of professional development initiatives that integrate youth lived experience.
• Collaborate with program leaders to develop tools and resources for intersectional professionals (e.g., youth with lived experience now working in child welfare).
• Provide technical assistance to internal teams on how to meaningfully engage youth lived experience in their work.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree and four years' experience in a related science or research services field or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)

Helpful

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare is housed at the Florida State University College of Social Work. The purpose of the institute is to advance the well-being of children and families by improving the performance of child protection and child welfare services through research, policy analysis, evaluation, and leadership development. Visit Florida Institute for Child Welfare for more information.

University Information

One of the nations elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position has been designated as eligible for remote work based on the current position/job functions

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.