Placement Navigator

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains•Denver, CO

40d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) is a nonprofit, human services agency dedicated to providing support to children and families across the Rocky Mountain region. LFSRM is a welcoming agency that values all members of our communities. The Foster Care Programs include traditional and therapeutic foster care, Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) foster care, and Long-Term Foster Care for unaccompanied minors. With teams across the Front Range of Colorado, LFSRM foster care staff work diligently to support families throughout the challenges and joys of fostering and to provide trauma-informed interventions and services that help children flourish and grow.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social or behavioral sciences.
If an individual has a degree in a non-related field, they shall have two (2) years' experience in a child welfare, human services or youth services related field.
Individuals who do not have a qualifying degree may be considered based on a combination of relevant education and experience.
Knowledge of currently available community resources, services, and supports, and ability to connect children, youth or families to appropriate resources to meet their needs through referral, application, or enrollment assistance.
Familiarity with assessment, care planning, facilitation, coordination, and advocacy for support on behalf of and in collaboration with individuals or families.
Skills and sensitivity in working with children, youth and families from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Familiarity with social work practice, human development, and the child welfare system, including applicable local, state and federal regulations and guidance.
Experience with crisis management, problem solving, and mediation best practices.
Ability to communicate professionally and cooperate with colleagues, other professionals, community partners, and other individuals involved in the care and coordination of services.
Ability to maintain thorough and timely documentation of activities, services, and efforts.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Must maintain a valid driver's license and carry personal auto liability insurance at the level of $100,000/300,000/100,000.
Frequent local regional travel.
May be required to transport clients in personal vehicle.
Local travel with company vehicle.

Responsibilities

Identifies safe, stable, least restrictive, and developmentally appropriate out-of-home placements for youth served through the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) Program.
Works collaboratively with program leadership, the youth's care team, placement providers, and community partners to identify and coordinate appropriate placement options.
Supports successful and sustainable placement outcomes.
Builds and maintains strong provider relationships.
Provides education, training, and technical assistance to providers and stakeholders.
Monitors placement efficacy and provider compliance.
Coordinates placement contracts, renewals, and required documentation.
Ensures placement services and provider practices remain responsive to the individual needs, strengths, safety, and well-being of each youth.
Operates in alignment with URM program requirements, contract regulations, and applicable standards.
Finds paid out of home placements for children/youth in our custody while advocating for the least restrictive, most appropriate placements.
Searches for other out-of-home options, such as foster homes, group homes and residential care.
Works effectively with partners and stakeholders including but not limited to Department of Human Services, Counsel for Youths, CRSP, and CDHS.
Monitors placement efficacy and educates providers and stakeholders regarding Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain's expectations.
Provides initial and ongoing training and technical assistance to providers and stakeholders on program and contract requirements.
Coordinates the completion and renewal of placement contracts to ensure all required documentation is executed for all third party placements.
Participates in rotating on call coverage for after hours support.