Child Welfare - Foster Care Specialist

Familyandchildrenservices; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

401k plan

Sign-on bonus

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

A community service organization is looking for a Case Manager to provide direct services to families involved in the child welfare system. This hybrid position requires a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and at least two years of related experience. The role involves assessing family situations, conducting court appearances, and writing case documentation. A valid driver's license is necessary for transportation to clients' homes. Flexible work hours are available, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in child welfare.
• Ability to engage with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and case management for families.
• Document all case-related activities.
• Provide services in home and community settings.

Skills

Clinical skills

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Hybrid position - Combination of office and remote work

$2,000 sign on bonus OR $7,500 sign on bonus if you have CWTI training. Bonus paid after 90 days of employment.

BENEFITS

Benefits Package including health insurance, dental, vision, generous Paid Time Off, 10 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday, life insurance, 401k plan, free Employee Assistance Program, etc. Mileage is reimbursed for driving for this position. Flexible work schedule with remote opportunities available.

SUMMARY

Involves case management, assessment of family situations, court appearances, conducting Family Team Meetings, service planning and documentation, report writing and provision with a team approach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exemplifies and adheres to the Agency Values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Empowerment.
• Provides direct service to the child(ren)'s legal family, the children and their caregivers that demonstrates functionally specific knowledge/implementation of skills/interventions to fulfill program objectives.
• Provide out-of-office service in clients' homes and/or community settings in non-structured, unpredictable situations.
• Provide transportation as needed.
• Document all case related activity in the case file and the State database.
• Participate in foster parent recruitment and retention activities.
• Participate with the Adoption Specialist in preparing the child(ren) for adoption and working with adoptive parents.
• Works on COA related directives for Foster Care.
• A commitment to value diversity in all forms, and to respect, celebrate and promote diversity in our workplace and in the community, including a personal commitment to increase one’s own cultural competencies.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, background check, reference verification, and required child welfare clearances

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have excellent clinical and engagement skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to understand, motivate and/or influence people and an awareness of the importance of cultural difference within service population.
• Must present a professional appearance and a friendly manner.
• Must be dependable and punctual.
• Be courteous and personable when dealing with the public.
• Be self-directed, willing to take initiative, organized and detail oriented.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of those served by Family & Children Services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Must be able to transport clients in employee-provided vehicle; must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to visually assess the safety of the environment and the physical well-being of children in the home.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to climb stairs and enter home environments that may be cluttered or present other physical obstacles.
• This position may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, hand and finger usage.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field required.
• Two (2) years related training/experience in working with families involved in the child welfare system, general understanding of childhood development.
• Communication skills and ability to understand motivate and/or influence people and an awareness of the importance of cultural differences within service populations.
• Ability to understand, demonstrate and apply the Agency’s workplace values:
  • Respect; Integrity; Service; and Empowerment.
  • Diversity; Equity; Inclusion; and Belonging.
• Work experience with behavioral health issues is desired.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Driver's License

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as procedure manuals, and to write routine reports and correspondence is required.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to staff, service recipients, and foster and adoptive parents required.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to travel to all areas within the service area.
• Ability to drive during the day or evening, and in varied weather conditions, is required for this role.
• Home visits are often made during evening hours as required to meet family need. A small percentage of home visits may need to be made on weekends or holidays.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.