Support Specialist (Multilingual)

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Seattle, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Family Support Specialist with the Refugees Northwest Foster Care Program, you execute and facilitate foster family and host home support services, including recruitment activities, training, and retention and support of caregivers for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors. This role is part of the recruitment and outreach team and supports the licensing of caregivers when necessary. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in social work or related social services field, or equivalent experience
Experience in child welfare or working with caregivers
Well-developed communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak English
Strong organizational skills (ex. prioritization, multitasking, etc.)
Independent decision-making abilities when circumstances warrant such action
Ability to work well in a team
Strong level of cultural competence and trauma-informed care understanding
Ability to pass a criminal history background check
Experience developing strong community networks to support caregivers
Experience in marketing and communication to support program networking events and increase engagement of caregivers and community networks
Interviewing and assessment experience
Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served by the program, including individuals who have experienced loss and trauma
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Must have a current Washington State driver's license, auto insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle
Successfully completes tasks in a moderately noisy environment
Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and using technology, with long periods of stationary activity and minimal periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to sitting, standing and walking.
Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 10 pounds; may be responsible for moving/carrying children weighing up to 25 pounds
May travel between worksites; may be responsible for transporting clients in personal and/or agency vehicles, which may require valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance
May work in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, client home/community settings, outdoor settings in varying weather conditions, and faith-based settings such as churches
Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements and other job-relevant clearances as required by the State or program

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish (or another language spoken by program clients) preferred

Responsibilities

Support the licensing process as needed by participating in intake interviews, reviewing licensing applications, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and keeping informed of WACs and DLR policies and procedures.
Support caregivers through individual consultation, caregiver support groups, and/or topical discussions relevant to caregiver and Unaccompanied Refugee Minor youth needs, including collaboration with social workers and Independent Living Case Managers as appropriate.
Develop educational resources and facilitate ongoing caregiver training as part of the caregiver onboarding process to enhance knowledge, strengthen skills, and improve care that addresses the specific needs of URMs, including individual consultation and collaboration with the social work team.
Assist with development and execution of a family recruitment strategy that is responsive to program needs and strives to include a diverse group of homes that are culturally and/or linguistically matched with youth whenever possible, including the recruitment of host home opportunities.
Support marketing efforts for caregiver opportunities, including participating in program and agency recruitment activities.
Develop and facilitate information sessions for prospective caregivers; participate in community events to promote Refugees NW and the Foster Care program.
Recruit new foster and host home families.
Contribute to foster parent/caregiver newsletter and other relevant communication.
Support the placement team to review referrals, identify appropriate placements, and determine the best available placement options for new arrivals and youth in need of placement.
Perform all job functions in accordance with LCSNW's agency and program specific personnel and administrative policies and procedures; current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations; and the code of ethics of professional social work.

Benefits

A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
12 paid agency recognized holidays
2 floating holidays to use your way
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status