Foster Care Worker

Full-Time (40 hours / week) Salary : $41,600 - $45,760 / year

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES : Performs independently a full range of assignments, using the methods and techniques required to complete the processes of services to birth families, foster families, and adoptive families.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES : Duties and responsibilities shall be completed promptly and expeditiously within the time frames outlined in the Family and Community Services agency policy, BCAL, MDHHS and ISEP.

1. Considerable contact with agency staff / personnel, clients, DHHS staff, court staff, referral sources, etc.

2. Work directly with children, biological families, foster families, adoptive families and other relevant individuals.

3. Comply with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements, and educational / certification / registry requirements.

4. Obtain and maintain appropriate training hours as required.

5. Utilize agency form letters, documents, informational materials, and other agency resources to facilitate organizational service.

6. Maintain accurate and confidential case records and information.

7. Provide recruitment and retention to foster families as needed.

8. Provide crisis intervention services, including being available on-call as needed.

9. Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting Responsibilities : Must report any suspected child abuse or neglect as required by state child protection statutes.

Is knowledgeable about the statute and directs any questions about the statute to the appropriate protective services unit.

Further understands that such suspected child abuse or neglect involving any FCS client or immediate family member must also be reported to FCS supervision.

10. Participate in phone calls, home visits, court hearings, and / or any other appointment / meeting pertaining to FCS clients as needed to ensure that services are being rendered to children and families appropriately.

11. Provide support, training and education with regards to foster care policy and procedure as required.

12. Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals / families as needed and provide / secure appropriate services to address these needs.

13. Develop, implement and monitor case plans and services being rendered to clients.

14. Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and documents according to agency / state licensing policies and procedures including but not limited to : service plans, legal documents, forms, and petitions.

15. Attend all court hearings as required and provides accurate testimony and recommendations regarding case progress and services rendered to children and families based upon assessments completed.

16. Provide transportation assistance to clients as appropriate.

17. Complete investigations in accordance with state or agency regulations, as required.

18. Perform all other tasks as needed and / or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Knowledge of agency policy, procedures and overall operations preferred.

2. Knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws and policies including DHHS policy, BCAL ISEP, the Child Protection Law and all relevant court requirements and procedures preferred.

3. Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, conduct correspondence, communicate verbally with a range of clients and professionals, and maintain favorable public relations.

4. Knowledge of social work theory methods, principles, practices, techniques, and language for casework, group work, and community organization.

5. High level of communication skills, decision making skills and problem solving techniques.

6. Ability to navigate computer systems comfortably.

7. Ability to work independently.

8. Be of good moral character and demonstrate emotional stability, and professionalism.

9. Develop and maintain the ability, knowledge, experience, training and skills to perform duties and responsibilities of the position.

10. Must not show any evidence or indication of the following behavior, which would constitute immediate grounds for dismissal :

Any convictions involving child abuse or neglect

Location on the Central Registry

Any participation in the abduction, sale or trafficking of humans

No unethical conduct impeding the best interests of children

No felonies involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

11. Valid Michigan Driver's License and ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability, if applicable.

12. Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal back ground and central registry checks.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL / LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS :

Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in one of the following human services areas : social work, sociology, psychology, family ecology, consumer / community services, family studies, family and / or child development, guidance / school counseling, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, law enforcement, forensic psychology, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed or education of the gifted.

Successfully complete all initial and ongoing training requirements.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

One year experience as a social service worker and completion of CWTI in foster care or adoption preferred.

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