Social Service Worker-Foster Care - Family Adoption Consultants, Inc Michigan (Livingston) - Full-Time

Axess Family Services, Inc.•Genoa Charter Township, MI

3d•$41,600 - $45,760•Onsite

About The Position

Performs independently a full range of assignments, using the methods and techniques required to complete the processes of services to birth families, foster families, and adoptive families. This role involves considerable contact with agency staff, clients, DHHS staff, court staff, referral sources, and direct work with children, biological families, foster families, and adoptive families. The position requires compliance with agency policies, COA regulations, federal and state requirements, and obtaining necessary training hours. Responsibilities include maintaining confidential case records, providing recruitment and retention for foster families, crisis intervention, reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, participating in client-related appointments and meetings, providing support and training regarding foster care policy, conducting comprehensive assessments, developing and monitoring case plans, preparing reports, attending court hearings, providing transportation assistance, and completing investigations.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in social work, sociology, psychology, family ecology, consumer/community services, family studies, family and/or child development, guidance/school counseling, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, law enforcement, forensic psychology, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed or education of the gifted.
One year experience as a social service worker.
Successfully complete all initial and ongoing training requirements.
Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, conduct correspondence, communicate verbally with a range of clients and professionals, and maintain favorable public relations.
Knowledge of social work theory methods, principles, practices, techniques, and language for casework, group work, and community organization.
High level of communication skills, decision making skills and problem solving techniques.
Ability to navigate computer systems comfortably.
Ability to work independently.
Be of good moral character and demonstrate emotional stability, and professionalism.
Develop and maintain the ability, knowledge, experience, training and skills to perform duties and responsibilities of the position.
Must not show any evidence or indication of the following behavior: Any convictions involving child abuse or neglect, Location on the Central Registry, Any participation in the abduction, sale or trafficking of humans, No unethical conduct impeding the best interests of children, No felonies involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.
Ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability, if applicable.
Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal background and central registry checks.
Bachelor’s Degree
Unrestricted State of Michigan driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Completion of CWTI in foster care or adoption preferred.
Knowledge of agency policy, procedures and overall operations preferred.
Knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws and policies including DHHS policy, BCAL ISEP, the Child Protection Law and all relevant court requirements and procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform independently a full range of assignments using required methods and techniques for services to birth families, foster families, and adoptive families.
Maintain contact with agency staff, clients, DHHS staff, court staff, and referral sources.
Work directly with children, biological families, foster families, adoptive families, and other relevant individuals.
Comply with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements, and educational/certification/registry requirements.
Obtain and maintain appropriate training hours as required.
Utilize agency form letters, documents, informational materials, and other agency resources.
Maintain accurate and confidential case records and information.
Provide recruitment and retention to foster families as needed.
Provide crisis intervention services, including being available on-call as needed.
Report any suspected child abuse or neglect as required by state child protection statutes.
Participate in phone calls, home visits, court hearings, and/or any other appointment/meeting pertaining to clients as needed.
Provide support, training, and education with regards to foster care policy and procedure as required.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals/families and provide/secure appropriate services.
Develop, implement, and monitor case plans and services being rendered to clients.
Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and documents according to agency/state licensing policies and procedures.
Attend all court hearings as required and provide accurate testimony and recommendations.
Provide transportation assistance to clients as appropriate.
Complete investigations in accordance with state or agency regulations.
Perform all other tasks as needed and/or assigned.