RRTS Caseworker -Ankeny

Four Oaks Family & Children Services•Ankeny, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Caseworker, you will specialize in providing services in the Ankeny/Des Moines area. Your role will be crucial in supporting foster families, assessing their suitability, and ensuring the stability and well-being of children in care. This position involves direct interaction with families, documentation, and collaboration with the Department of Human Services (HHS) and Iowa Department of Human Services (JCS). You will also be responsible for maintaining compliance with licensing standards and supporting families through the adoption process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences or related field
One year of related experience

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the foster care and adoption systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts pre-screening activities for potential foster families.
Writes complete, thorough, and unbiased home study assessments or prospective and current foster and adoptive families, recommending licensure and/or adoption approval and submitting timely to HHS.
Meets contract requirements for supportive contacts for Resource Families with or without placements.
Supports Resource Families to keep children stable for as long as a placement is needed.
Provides pre-service and/or in-service training as requested.
Assists with or provides recommendations regarding match referrals.
Assesses strengths and limitations of placement options.
Assists with troubleshooting procedures when matches are potentially late.
When requested to assist, promptly responds to provide one or more names of Resource Families who may meet the requested referral criteria for a child.
Documents contact with Resource Families timely using appropriate CareMatch procedures and required forms.
Assesses permanency needs of the child/youth.
Conducts initial, renewal, update, ICPC, and relative home studies as assigned.
Demonstrates professional written and verbal communication with HHS/JCS.
Travels as necessary to complete functions of job including attending stakeholder meetings, meeting Resource Families in their home environment, attending training or support group venues.
Meets with prospective or current Resource Families/children in their homes at designated intervals as required by contract at times of day on days of the week in which the family is available, which often will include evenings and weekends.
Supports pre-adoptive families through to adoption to assure stability.
Maintains current and accurate awareness of all Iowa Administrative Code Resource Family licensing/approval standards.
Assists Resource Families with remaining in compliance with standards.