Foster Care Specialist

Catholic Charities West Michigan • Muskegon, MI

11d • $45,000 - $53,800

About The Position

The Foster Care Specialist works in child welfare to help find permanency for children in foster care. The role collaborates with children, caregivers, birth parents, courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish the most appropriate permanency goal for each child. The specialist serves a caseload of foster children, birth families, and licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan; assesses service needs and provides or refers children and birth families to services; maintains regular contact; coordinates services with staff and families; participates in on-call placements and emergency services; and drives and transports as needed. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Catholic Charities West Michigan is a community-based agency serving Western Michigan through family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach programs. The agency describes its mission as fostering individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope, and its vision as creating a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a human-service-related area as specified by MSA and BCAL rules.
• Minimum of three years of related experience in the human services field.
• Knowledge of Michigan courts or ability to interact successfully with court personnel and appointed attorneys.
• Ability to use DHHS computer systems and other computer systems required by contract.
• Strong conflict-resolution skills and ability to work with difficult individuals.
• Strong engagement skills, coping skills, and patience in difficult situations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures and communicate courteously and effectively with clients and the public.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to drive and transport as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Child welfare experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve a caseload of foster children, their birth families, and their licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan.
• Provide or refer children and birth families to services based on a structured assessment of their needs.
• Maintain regular contacts.
• Coordinate services with staff and families.
• Participate in on-call placements and emergency services.
• Drive and transport as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level