Job Description

Responsibility of Work

 This is very responsible social work involving the coordination and delivery of services for foster children placed in a family setting.  Incumbents are responsible for all aspects of service delivery including the recruitment and training of parents, placement and monitoring of children, preparation and entry of required records, documentation into the computer system, (specifically GA +Score and SHINES, emails, etc) ensuring that all homes are in compliance with applicable State regulations and Licensure requirements.  Incumbents are also expected to provide advice and assistance to other Therapeutic Support Specialists on their team as assigned.  Periodically employees in this class must deal with crisis situations; therefore they must remain in an on-call status when not on official leave.  Incumbents typically have considerable independence in performing job related duties requiring initiative and self-discipline to ensure that all of the family’s and children’s needs are met.  The position also requires strong organizational, decision making and interpersonal skills for successful performance.  Job performance is evaluated by the Supervisor and or Director through review of submitted reports and documentation, ability to complete required documentation, reports and related information in a timely, thorough and accurate manner, organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills and effectiveness in working with the families and children in their caseload. 

Examples of Work

Assist with reviewing referrals to match foster children with trained and approved families.
Assist Therapeutic Support Specialist on their team and provides advice and assistance with difficult cases and or situations when necessary.
Assist with recruiting prospective parents to meet the needs of foster children assigned.
Assist with recruitment and training activities for prospective parents to meet state mandated training requirements.
Assist with Pre-Services Orientations and Home Study Assessments.
Maintain a caseload of ten to fourteen foster children depending on the level of support needed for each child.
Makes home visits with families and or respite providers at least once each week for the first six weeks, then twice a month to monitor the behavior of the children and responsiveness of the parents. The bi-monthly visits can increase if the child and family needs more support. This will be determined by the supervisor.
Respond to calls for assistance and or crisis situations to prevent further escalation of a situation and ensure the safety of child/ren and parent/s.
Coordinate the activities of respite providers when needed by the parent and/or child.
Complete Monthly reports of child’s progress.
Schedules regular meetings (at least quarterly) of each child’s resource team and prepares reports providing pertinent information.
Develop a treatment plan (ISP) for each child and review quarterly and affect updates as necessary.
Maintain comprehensive and detailed records of each child in their caseload to document observed behaviors and progress toward established objectives.
Prepare and enter required data and supporting documentation into GA-Scores, GA-SHINES and other computer system in a timely, thorough and accurate manner.
Maintain updated documentation and records required for State departmental audits.
Coordinate and provide input regarding the activities of resource personnel including mentors, therapists, tutors, etc. to assist the child with established developmental objectives.
Serves as a liaison between State Department personnel and foster children and their families.
Make decisions regarding future placement of children who disrupt current placements.
Interacts with teachers and other school personnel to evaluate the behavior and needs of foster children in their caseload.
Represents the foster child’s and or professional parent’s interests in judicial hearings when necessary.
Prepares incident reports when necessary and reports the incidents to the appropriate parties within the required time frame as necessary.
Help to facilitate the transfer of children from foster homes to a higher level of care such as more restrictive treatment facility, for observation and or care.
Obtain the necessary documentation from families and other providers to ensure compliance with foster care licensure requirements.
Submit all mileage reports and expense summaries in a timely and accurate manner.
Serve as an advocate for the foster children placed in their caseload.
Provide Counseling and support for families to ensure quality care, appropriate behavior management and proper environmental conditions.
Assist with transporting children to Care Providers including doctors, dentists, therapists, etc. when necessary.
Perform related duties as required and assigned by the Director, CFO or Supervisor.

Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a B.A. Degree in Social Services, Child Development, Psychology, or closely related field; considerable knowledge of Therapeutic Foster care regulations; a minimum of two years experience working with special needs children; or an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field; and maintain a full caseload; ability to make consistent and objective decisions in a timely manner; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

Thorough knowledge of the State’s rules and regulations regarding Therapeutic Foster Care programs including required documentation, frequency of contacts, etc.
Thorough knowledge of State Licensure and Training requirements for Foster Parents
Thorough knowledge of child development, developmental disabilities, and family dynamics
Thorough knowledge of behavior management techniques and interventions utilized with children and young adults.
Thorough knowledge of the resources available in the community to assist foster children with established developmental objectives and life plans.
Thorough knowledge of legal documents and judicial proceedings pertaining to the placement and custody of foster children.
Thorough knowledge of computer workings including all required data entry and documentation requirements.
Considerable knowledge of psychotropic medications used to treat behavioral disorders in juveniles and adolescents.
Ability to maintain a caseload of ten to fourteen foster children and meet all State requirements for visitation and documentation.
Ability to interact with foster children and families in a sensitive and objective manner.
Ability to react to emergency and/or crisis situations in an appropriate manner and reduce the likelihood of further escalation or danger to the involved parties.
Ability to develop realistic and appropriate goals and objectives for each foster child in their caseload.
Ability to create and maintain detailed notes and observations of children’s progress toward established objectives.
Ability to make consistent and sound decisions regarding the care and safety of foster children in their caseload.
Ability to conduct training sessions for prospective and/or current foster parents.
Ability to plan and organize personal activities to meet all deadlines, reporting requirements and workload demands.
Ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of support staff when necessary.
Have skills in providing appropriate and creative interventions and redirecting unwanted behaviors in children.
Have skills in reacting to emergency situations and providing appropriate responses to diffuse escalating situation.