In accordance with the Agency’s mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of Michigan licensing, contracts, funding, and COA standards; the Foster Care Specialist is responsible for direct foster care services and case management services to assigned clients. Furthermore, it is responsible for
preparation services.
TASKS OF THE POSITION
• Implements and monitors quality individual, group, and/or family counseling according to specific treatment plans.
• Completes all required paperwork, (e.g. updated assessments/treatments plans, case notes, phone logs, court reports and utilization review reports).
• Provides face-to-face contact with assigned clients, according to contract requirements.
• Schedules, organizes and attends Family Team Meetings.
• Participates in scheduled case conferences with collaborating agency.
• Maintains a flexible work schedule that provides accessibility that supports the needs of the communitybased environment.
• Provides education and support, regarding needs of clients, for foster parents and families planning.
• Develop and revises strategies and diverse treatment plans for assigned clients according to each client’s individual needs.
• Participate in on-call rotation for foster families and planning families.
• Assess children’s current and long-term needs.
• Develop specific recruitment plans.
• Ensure each child’s safety and permanence needs are monitored.
• Participate in community meetings and recruitment events as needed.
• Provide information and recommendations to the Family Court in legal proceedings.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the parent(s).
• Participate in continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Stays informed of current practice developments within the profession and uses educational and training opportunities to ensure continual professional competence.
• Plans and organizes work to meet all requirements according to agency and COA standards, licensing and funding requirements.
• Prepares for and participates in individual supervision, team meetings, and other agency meetings regularly.
• Works with Vista Maria programs and community agencies/resources to provide referrals, resources and related services to clients.
• Performs all other duties as required or requested by the agency.
• Maintains weekly contacts as appropriate (i.e. phone calls, meetings, letters, etc.) with schools, DHS/CMS, lead agency, and mental health agency to ensure that all children assigned receive the level of advocacy that is required to meet the needs (socially, educationally, physically/medically, emotionally, and cognitively) of each child. All documentation is created and filed within one week.
• Maintains face-to-face contact with clients. Forms to be filled out are face-to-face counseling notes, first appointments of each month; mini case notes for all other visits; group notes as appropriate.
• Provides on-going education/support/coaching to foster parents at a minimum at the monthly visit and documents the specifics of the session.
• Monitors medication, weekly, and picks up medication log monthly for filing in client’s chart.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of social work and service administration.
• Good interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, sound decision-making and organizational skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks at once and have excellent time management abilities.
• Demonstrated skills in organization, priority/time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Computer literacy skills, proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Effective conflict resolution skillset.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively in a culturally diverse environment and to deal effectively with various levels of Vista Maria personnel, outside customers and community groups.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION / TRAINING)
Minimum Required
Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in the Human Services field.
• One (1) year of experience working with children and families.
• Valid driver’s license without relevant restrictions.
Preferred:
• Completion of Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training for Foster Care and Adoption
required by the State of Michigan
