Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits :

• 100% Employer Paid Medical Benefits
• 100% Employer Paid Dental Benefits
• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

The Social Worker for the Intensive Permanency Services Program will be responsible for managing a designated case load of youth referred to Plummer by DCF.

The essential function of this position is to aggressively advance the youth towards permanency through the delivery of Plummers Permanency Practice Model.

The provision of permanency services will be delivered by utilizing Youth-Guided / Family Centered principles, Family Search and Engagement, Permanency Readiness, and Youth Guided Teaming.

This position may require occasional nights and weekends based upon the nature and needs of an individual case. Please note, this position will report to the Plummer Youth Promise Woburn office.

This role requires driving off site to meet with clients.

Essential Job Functions :

• Meet with each youth (primarily off site) to introduce the permanency dimension of the Plummer IPS program and engage the youth in active involvement in their own permanency planning from the point of intake.
• Work individually with youth to identify parents, family members and other caring adults they wish to locate or be reconnected to and / or who could potentially be a parental-figure or a supportive adult.
• Effectively utilize Family Search and Engagement efforts to identify parents / relatives, including reaching out and engaging them in permanency planning and decision-making.
• Effectively utilize Safety Parameters Meetings to begin building a team.
• Effectively engage the youth and family in Permanency Readiness work. This includes the establishing, re-establishing, and healing of youth and family relationships.
• Effectively preparing youth for permanency and living in family / community settings. Helping youth to clarify major life events and experiences, understand the reason for entry into foster care as well as the steps needed to return to family of origin or to an alternative family.
• Effectively preparing family and caring adults to be lifelong supports, providing psychoeducation about the youths needs, and using a strengths-based understanding of the impact of trauma.
• Effectively utilize Youth Guided, Family Driven Teaming to build a team with youth, family, and professionals working collaboratively and engaging in shared decision making to advance permanency.
• Develop team meeting agendas to support and drive permanency work.
• Educate stakeholders to instill the belief of permanency work and collaborate with all systemic partners.
• Effectively and collaboratively participate on youths treatment team to advocate for and advance progress toward permanency.
• Partner with the DCF team to assure identification of an appropriate permanency goal (one that will result in leaving foster care to family rather than aging out);

remove barriers to that goal as needed; and achieve timely progress toward the permanency outcome.

• Complete permanency focused treatment plans within 30 days of intake and every 90 days thereafter on electronic record keeping databases APRICOT and the Virtual Gateway
• Complete quarterly progress reviews on APRICOT and the Virtual Gateway.
• Complete written progress notes on APRICOT regarding all treatment interventions and interactions with youth and collaterals.
• Schedule, and facilitate a Large Team Meetings at 30 days and every 90 days thereafter.
• Where necessary will participate in external meetings for youth on caseload such as 29 B hearings and Foster Care Reviews.
• Attend Plummer monthly Permanency Consults.
• All other duties assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree with professional licensure preferred.
• Minimum of an LSWA or LSW eligible to obtain LSW within 60 days of hire.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge regarding DCF regulations, policies, and practice.
• Minimum of three years experience working with children and families involved with the child welfare system.
• Strong ability to authentically and creatively engage youth and families.
• Excellent verbal, written, and computer skills in conjunction with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairways.
• Visual and hearing acuity to perform job related functions.
• Valid state drivers license, proof of auto insurance, satisfactory driving history and reliable vehicle

Competencies :

Communication : Shares appropriate information to keep people informed; Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and in person;

Adheres to both written and verbal reporting communication policies.

Conflict Management : Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control;

remains open to, and listens to, other ideas and tries new things. Will embrace constructive change even if personally difficult to do.

Initiative : Exhibits strong effort and desire to accomplish what is undertaken; Expresses opinions in an appropriate manner;

Is engaged in the process proactive

Documentation : Utilizes all aspects of APRICOT as it is designed to use; Is precise, accurate, and on-time as it pertains to all treatment plan documentation on APRICOT and Virtual Gateway;

Pays attention to the details; Clinically appropriate and professional; Double checks work before passing it on.

Practice Responsibility : Demonstrates knowledge and can effectively apply all aspects of Family Search and Engagement; Demonstrates knowledge and can effectively apply all aspects of Youth Guided Teaming (Safety Parameters, joint conversations, individual conversations, Large team meetings).

Demonstrates knowledge and can effectively apply all aspects of Permanency Readiness (tools and activities).

Self-Awareness & Development : Awareness of own strengths and areas of development; open to constructive feedback from others;

Works to overcome limitations; Active in professional development.

Teamwork : Contributes to achieve a common objective; Assists others when needed. Celebrates wins together. Effectively integrates and maintains positive and professional relationships with external team members.

Relationships with Youth and Families : Ability to form interpersonal and positive relationships with youth; Maintains appropriate professional boundaries;

Utilizes a Strengths-based approach. Demonstrates understanding and effectively applies Youth-Guided / Family Driven care principles.

Effectively engages youth and families in an authentic and honest way.