Kinship Care Coordinator

Weld County Government

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinship Care Coordinator provides on-going consultation to caseworkers regarding placement of children/youth. Provides on-going supportive services to certified and non-certified kinship homes and assists in coordinating the best and most needed services for the home. Primary office location is in Greeley, but employee may perform work at one of the other satellite offices when required. Reliable, predictable, attendance within designated scheduled hours. This position is in-person and may be eligible for occasional telework options upon successful completion of initial training and demonstration of high work performance. Work may involve time away from a standard office environment, which may consist of driving to and from home visits and in transporting children. Work may occur in situations in client's homes, which could be considered a hostile or unsanitary environment. Some of the home visits may require police support. Mission Statement: Engaging and partnering with the community to improve safety, health and well-being of individuals and families through the delivery of responsive and collaborative services. Vision Statement: The people of Weld County are connected to the resources needed to thrive in the community and feel safe and empowered. Weld County Department of Human Services’ greatest asset is our staff. The Ideal Candidate for the Department of Human Services, will be someone who possesses the following traits: 1. Strong communication skills in order to clearly communicate important information regularly. 2. Able to structure the workload to ensure all tasks are given the correct priority. 3. Strong customer service skills .

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker. Course work examples can include and are not limited to, the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques, and the successful completion of one (1) year as a Weld County child welfare caseworker as documented in the annual performance evaluation which shows a Meets Standards or higher on core competencies and responsibilities, or Bachelor's Degree and 1 year of Child Welfare experience in another Child Welfare Agency and successful completion of six (6) months as a journey level Weld County child welfare caseworker as documented in the annual performance evaluation which shows a Meets Standard or higher on core competencies and responsibilities.
Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.
Candidate must pass Department of Human Services background checks prior to employment start date.
Candidate must pass a CBI/FBI fingerprint check prior to employment start date and will continue to be subject to CBI/FBI monitoring throughout employment.
Candidate must submit college transcripts prior to the first day of employment.
Driving is essential in this position. Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License and Liability Insurance
Candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens throughout employment.
Candidate must provide own transportation and be willing to travel and transport clients as needed to meet the essential functions of the position.
Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.
Candidate must possess ability to keyboard at 40 words per minute.
Candidate must possess the ability to enter data into several different computer programs.
Candidate must possess the ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
Candidate must have knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Candidate must possess the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and department policies and procedures.
Candidate must possess the ability to write correspondence.
Candidate must possess the ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, and community partners.
Candidate must possess the ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to employees, professionals and state and community representatives.
Candidate must possess the ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment.
Candidate must possess the ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.
Candidate must possess the ability to adapt to fast paced, high volume and ever- changing work environment and be able to handle high stress and conflict filled situations while remaining calm and professional.
Candidate must be well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess ability to deescalate hostile situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in child welfare.
Experience working with children/youth in Kinship Care, Foster Care and/or Group Homes.
Able to speak, read, and write in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of certified and non-certified care homes.
Monitor all homes through regular contact by actual home visits or by telephone for compliance with required and special training.
Complete an initial Kinship Needs Assessment once child/youth has been placed in kinship care or when the Department is considering kinship placement.
Make placement decisions based on State and Federal rules & regulations for the safety and permanency of the child/youth.
Provide case-specific documentation including TRAILS entries of notes, contact documentation, entering placements, opening service providers, service and childcare referrals and other related tasks within regulated timeframes.
May assist in gathering and tracking background information on kinship family members.
Work in collaboration with the Response and Permanency Teams and other Resource Team members to help kinship families move youth and children within their care to permanency.
Ensure that families provide opportunities for children and youth in their care to develop necessary age-appropriate skills in addition to independent living skills for youth.
Facilitate discussions, provide specific training, and perform other support activities that promote the relationships between kinship families and the Department.
Refer to or designs training to enable kinship families to meet specific special needs of children/youth in their care.
Act as liaison to Child Welfare caseworkers regarding placement decisions, problems that arise with kinship homes, and other emergency situations.
Maintain regular contact with caseworker, kinship family, and other parties associated with the case.
Perform as an advocate for kinship caretakers and provides supportive services to kinship family.
Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, unit meetings and division meetings.
Perform as an active team member in RED team, family team meetings, focus groups and other professional development work groups.
Obtain training or additional professional knowledge when needed.
Work in collaboration with the Response and Permanency Teams and other Resource team members to help kinship families move children/youth within their care to permanency.
Ensure that families provide opportunities for children/youth in their care to develop necessary age-appropriate skills in addition to independent living skills for youth.
Facilitate discussions, provide specific training, and perform other support activities that promote the relationships between kinship families and the Department.
Refer to or design trainings to enable kinship families to meet specific special needs of children/youth in their care.
Act as a liaison to Child Welfare caseworkers regarding placement decisions, problems that arise with kinship homes, and other emergency situations.
Maintain regular contact with the assigned caseworker, kinship family, and other parties associated with the case.
Perform as an advocate for kinship caretakers and provides supportive services to kinship families.
Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, unit meetings, and division meetings.
Perform as an active member in RED team, family team meetings, focus groups, and other professional development work groups.
Obtain training or additional professional knowledge when needed.
Facilitate and coordinate appreciation events for kinship parents, including but not limited to Parent Cafes and other kinship support groups.
Events may take place after hours and on weekends.
Understand and implement rules and regulations for Child Welfare organizations in Colorado outlined in the State of Colorado Department of Human Services Volume 7 guidelines.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Complies with all policies and standards.