Foster Care Specialist

Spectrum Human Services•Southfield, MI

20h•$43,000 - $48,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, the social worker provides intensive family-centered casework services to birth and foster/adoptive parents and children upon case assignment. The role involves working a non-traditional, flexible workweek including evenings and weekends when necessary, transporting family members using own vehicle when necessary, and carrying a pager for access twenty-four/seven days a week. The specialist responds to family crises to maintain safety and reinstate family stability, and coordinates the provision of collateral services as required by State of Michigan laws, Services Manual Items, Child Welfare licensing requirements, and applicable Service Standards.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services or in a human services-related counseling major.
One-year experience working with families and assessment skills preferred.
Interpersonal skills, time management skills, conflict resolution skills, computer skills, and documentation skills.
Knowledge of strength-based family work, solution-focused treatment, wrap-around process, child development, child welfare laws, foster care policies/process and procedures.
Reliable and ongoing transportation as required to make home visits and provide transportation to youth and families.
Valid unrestricted driver’s license.
Good driving record.
Proof of automobile insurance.
Satisfactory Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Central Registry Clearance and State Police Record Check.
Negative TB Test.
Satisfactory physical exam.

Nice To Haves

Assessment skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitors and ensures the safety and well-being of all assigned clients.
Provides all necessary service referrals and/or direct treatment services to meet individual, family, or program goals.
Documents all progress for clients.
Works cooperatively with all service providers.
Participates in all required court hearings.
Provides social work services to families for support/assistance in family reunification or other permanent placement, including referrals and documentation.
Available to team and assigned families via cell phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, participating in a system of 24-hour availability to birth and foster families in crisis.
Advocates by attending/facilitating meetings with other service providers (court, school, hospital, etc.) to expedite and coordinate services for the family.
Works cooperatively with Clinical Support, Family Reunification, Licensing, and Foster Care/Adoption staff, obtaining consultation and therapeutic services.
Works with families to develop treatment plans to alleviate conditions leading to child removal, assists with safety plans, and provides crisis intervention.
Educates, teaches, and models skills in parenting, childcare, communication, household management, and other areas to strengthen family functioning.
Works a flexible schedule to meet the needs of assigned families.
Provides relative or birth parent home assessment and documentation for possible child placement.
Keeps track of sibling placements, coordinating service delivery on cases involving split family work responsibilities.
Reports foster home non-compliance to licensing staff.
Provides direct service as needed to ensure continuous agency supervision and service provision to birth parents and their children.
Keeps supervisor fully informed of case progress and status orally and in writing.
Produces organized, grammatically correct, and professionally written reports and letters meeting Service Standard requirements.
Identifies and shares community resources information, assists in maintaining the foster care resource manual and resource center.
Travels to various locations (homes, schools, places of employment, community resources) and transports youth and families as needed.
Prepares and educates birth families and youth on the Court process, encouraging their participation at hearings.
Attends and represents the agency at all required court hearings, giving testimony and making recommendations as approved by the supervisor.
Makes referrals to Protective Services according to Child Welfare Laws, assuring agency responsibilities are fulfilled.
Protects confidentiality, appropriately sharing information for client benefit, and obtaining releases of information as necessary.
Displays professional courtesy by being on time for all visits/appointments and meetings, canceling or rescheduling as necessary, and arranging for coverage during absences.
Attends and participates in all mandatory training, team meetings, individual supervision, conferences, and staff meetings.
Reads and stays familiar with all applicable Service Standards for Foster Care Programs.
Assists in the maintenance of the Client Information System by entering or submitting data as required.
Completes any/all computer-generated tasks within specific time frames.
Completes any/all tasks and duties as assigned by Spectrum Administrative staff.
Complies with all Spectrum Personnel Policies and procedures.
Professionally represents the agency’s programs and services in the community.
Maintains assigned case files consistent with agency protocol.
Uses keys, identification cards, office equipment, supplies, and other assigned property appropriately.
Works on assigned committees, completing special projects, and participating in Agency decision-making as needed.