Think of Us (TOU) operates as an R+D lab for child welfare. We take on strategic projects with the goal of causing “good trouble” and, ultimately, driving concrete, structural changes in policy, practice, resource flows, power dynamics, relationships and mental models. Our ultimate goal is to integrate Lived Experience at every level, ensuring everyone touched by the system has the conditions they need to Heal, Develop and Thrive.
We work across the ecosystem of current and former foster youth, child welfare workers, philanthropists and policymakers to Spark, Support and Drive to systematically center lived experience touched by the system.
Examples of what this looks like include:
Note: Most of our roles are fully remote. A select few are based in DC or LA, which will be specified in the job description if applicable.
As part of our Flagship Initiative, we are testing free virtual assistance service for kinship families and current and former foster youth.
The Community Responder (CR) serves as a personal assistant - helping to research, call and vet resources based on what individuals tell us they need. The CR also researches and builds our directory of resources (traditional AND non-traditional), including partnerships with virtual solutions beyond the scope of traditional child welfare (e.g. education coaching, telehealth and more).
Centering lived experience is core to everything we do, so experience with the child welfare system – professionally or personally – is required.
In addition to the above, we are structuring this role to provide a learning and growth opportunity for CRs - they will receive extensive support, guidance, coaching, and mentorship from our organization.
This role is full-time through September 30, 2023 with a possibility of extending as the initiative evolves with a competitive salary of $50,000.