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Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Specialist

DePelchin, Houston, TX, United States


Position: Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Specialist Classification:

Full-time, Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Manager, Client Support

Company:

Texans Together

Location:

Houston, TX

Position Description The SIL Specialist is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and overseeing Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placements for youth and young adults aged 16-22 who are transitioning toward adulthood while in DFPS conservatorship or Extended Foster Care. The role ensures safe, developmentally appropriate, and policy compliant SIL placements by integrating placement processes, documentation requirements, service planning expectations, and permanency mandates outlined in the Region 6 Stage I Joint Operations Manual. The Specialist works closely with DFPS caseworkers, Texans Together (SSCC), caregivers, SIL providers, PAL staff, CANS assessors, and legal representatives to ensure youth are prepared for adulthood and receive the services, monitoring, and support required to thrive.

Primary Responsibilities SIL Placement Coordination

Facilitate SIL placement requests following Non-Emergency Placement and Placement Change processes outlined in the manual

Ensure youth meet eligibility criteria for SIL and that their CANS, service package, and current Child Plan of Service reflect their needs

Coordinate with SSCC Placement Coordinators, DFPS Caseworkers & Supervisors, Youth providers and SIL programs, PAL Program staff, and Court-appointed advocates and attorneys

Ensure SIL youth receive all required notifications, documents, and support at placement, including 2085 SIL Placement Authorization, Attachment A (when applicable), Placement Summary (Form 2279), Medical consenter and education decision-maker assignments

Documentation & IMPACT / OneCase Responsibilities

Ensure all documents related to SIL placements are uploaded and maintained in OneCase and IMPACT, following manual timeframes

Document Placement entries and updates, Service planning outcomes, Youth eligibility criteria, SIL provider documentation and Youth progress toward independence

Follow Region 6 timeframes for approvals and immediate notifications to mailbox contacts (SSCC placement, PAL, Permanency, etc.)

Youth Readiness, Skill Development & Transition Support

Assess youth readiness for SIL and identify supports required for successful transition

Ensure youth have a current Child Plan of Service, Life skills assessments (CLSA), Access to PAL training (when applicable) and Connections to adult support systems

Reinforce expectations related to independent living, including Daily living skills, Budgeting and employment, Education planning, Health care transition and Safety and crisis planning

Service Planning Participation

Participate in and support 90day and annual service plan meetings, Permanency planning meetings, Circle of Support (COS) and Preplacement and transition staffings

Ensure SIL youth are included in planning and have a voice in decisions made about their lives

Work collaboratively with caregivers, paid providers, and SSCC case care teams

Monitoring & Support of SIL Providers

Maintain ongoing communication with SIL providers to ensure placement safety, youth progress, and compliance with DFPS/SSCC expectations

Monitor youth progress in areas such as Educational attainment, Employment stability, Daily functioning, Mental/behavioral health and Adherence to program rules

Immediately relay provider concerns to the SSCC contracts team, communicate placement stability issues or youth crises in coordination with SSCC teams

Court & Legal Support

Provide information needed for court hearings related to SIL placements

Ensure SSCC and providers receive timely notice of hearings, as the manual requires

Document youth attendance at required hearings and coordinate travel or virtual access

Extended Foster Care & Return to Care

Support youth transitioning into Extended Foster Care or Return to Extended Foster Care (ages 18-21)

Assist with Form 2540 Voluntary Extended Foster Care Agreements, Eligibility verification, Placement continuity or new placement search, Coordination with PAL, SSCC, and providers

Ensure youth have required documentation before discharge, including Birth certificate, Social Security card, Education records, Health information, ID or driver’s license

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field.

Experience working with older foster youth or transition-age populations

Experience with SIL or independent living programs

Prior experience in placement coordination or case management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Familiarity with DFPS processes, including skilled use of IMPACT and Placement/Service Planning requirements

Knowledge of Community-Based Care (CBC) and Stage I responsibilities

Knowledge of PAL, Extended Foster Care, and CANS processes

Strong verbal and written communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills

Ability to develop rapport and engage effectively with older youth

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations, using sound judgment and problem-solving skills

Ability to collaborate effectively with DFPS, SSCC, caregivers, and service providers

Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and youth development

Work Conditions

Environment: Office-based

Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Travel: Frequent (Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance)

Equal Opportunity Statement DePelchin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace. DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.

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