Intensive Foster Care Family Support Specialist

Damar Services • Indianapolis, IN

6d

About The Position

Employees at Damar aren’t just part of a workforce — they’re part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people’s lives. Since 1967, Damar has been recognized across Indiana as one of the largest not-for-profit organizations and a leading provider of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services. We foster a united, purpose-driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. It’s no surprise Damar has been named a Top Workplace for several years! Ready to make a real difference? Join us in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. Damar Services is looking for a talented and motivated Intensive Foster Care Family Support Specialist to join our team. The Intensive Foster Care Family Support Specialist (FSS) utilizes evidenced based practices to provide goal-oriented services and safety assessments to each case. This individual will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including supervisor, child/family, therapist, child welfare specialists, schools, and DCS/Probation staff to assist each family in meeting their treatment goals and maintain out of home placement for high acuity youth. The Intensive Foster Care FSS is central to our Community-Based Team, working directly with children and caregivers. Intensive Foster Care Services are community-based services designed to maintain children with intensive medical, mental, emotional, and/or behavioral needs in a single placement to encourage safety and stability, while supporting the Intensive Foster Family and assisting children in their transition to permanency through the introduction of appropriate services for the family. The FSS will serve as the liaison between the clinical team, community resources and the Department of Child Services. Services are delivered primarily in a community or home-based setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or a directly related human service field from an accredited university
• Minimum age of 18 per licensure requirements
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Damar’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving)
• Be clear of any felony convictions, substantiated charges of neglect or other disqualifying criminal convictions
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical
• Favorably meet and maintain Damar’s background screening
• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 35lbs); to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
• Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

• Previous related experience is not required but is considered an asset
• Experience working with youth and/or adults with autism or ID/DD preferred
• Bilingual skills are not required but are considered an asset
• Proficiency with MS Office applications including: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Responsibilities

• Gathers information from treatment team and submits monthly progress reports to DCS
• Provides case management to foster, relative or kinship families who has a child with special needs in their home
• Provides emergency/crisis intervention services as needed
• Provides parent education and behavior modification/parent training
• Provides child development education
• Assesses needs and coordinates services for the child and foster family
• Adheres to DCS Service Standards, Social Work Code of Ethics, and Damar policy and procedures
• Participates in Child and Family Team Meetings
• Participates in DCS case planning
• Provides money management/budgeting information

Benefits

• Eligible for the Damar Advantage including discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy
• Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Up to $3,000 per year in Tuition Assistance
• Save for your retirement with our 401(k) Plan Participation
• Take care of loved ones through our Damar provided Life Insurance and additional voluntary options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
• Paid Holidays to spend time with loved ones
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and renewal

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees