Social Services Worker

Teaching Family Homes Of Upper Michigan•Sands Township, MI

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Residential Services, the Social Service Worker will be responsible for youth and family development and coordination of case management for youth residing within Teaching Family Homes. This role involves extensive communication with various stakeholders, preparation of critical documents, court testimony, and active participation in team and family meetings to support youth treatment and reintegration.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a human behavioral science, or another major with 25% of credits in human behavioral science including; criminal justice, human services, sociology, psychology, social work or guidance and counseling.
Be of good moral character.
Good driving record and adequate vehicle insurance if using own vehicle in the course of employment.
Background checks required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with the Teaching-Family Model preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate with parents, therapists, caseworkers, teachers, community leaders, court staff, GAL, Tribal members, Probation Officer, or other outside service providers on phone, in person, email, or during court hearings to inform them of the youth’s progress, provide support to families, and implement the youth’s reintegration into youth’s aftercare placement.
Prepare comprehensive and accurate state and court documents: Initial Case Service Plans, Updated Service Plans, Court Reports/Letters, DHHS 69 forms, and one-on-one requests.
Testify in court.
Attend meetings including; Family Team Meetings, Individual Education Plans, parent teacher conferences and other meetings as needed in order to assist in maintaining youth’s treatment.
Help with developing treatment plans with a treatment team that is individualized to each youth.
Enroll youth in school, schedule youth appointments for medical/dental/therapy.
Acts as Educational Specialist Coordinator.
Complete biopsychosocial assessments such as CANS and Casey Life skills.
Work with caseworker to schedule and monitor Parenting-time. Responsible for planning and coordinating parent training and family intervention.
Maintain objectivity and empathy for children that experienced trauma.
Work under deadlines that require prioritizing efforts with constant pressure created by the nature of working in a residential setting.
This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-standard work hours as needed and will be placed on a rotating on-call roster. On-call responsibilities would include but would not be limited to coming in to cover shifts, assisting in crisis situations, and providing support when needed to Direct Care staff. Available to work a flexible schedule determined by the needs of the program so as to be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week at a time. Ability to fill in as a Direct Care Worker as needed.
Makes regular contact with referring staff to build and maintain a collaborative approach to the delivery of services to youth and families. Responds to and accepts all referrals in consultation with the Director of Residential Services based on ability and appropriateness.
Reviews case file documentation for completion and quality and provides both verbal and written feedback. Reviews and approves by signature all require reports.
Reviews each youth’s progress on a quarterly basis and report officially to the referring agency and parents of youth.
Conduct self in a manner which provides appropriate modeling for the youth according to community norms and agency guidelines.
Abide by a professional code of ethics as established by the national Teaching-Family Association.
Participate in permanency planning; assist with the development of a discharge and aftercare plan within established guidelines.
Attend weekly team meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.