Independent Living Caseworker

Transcription

1 Independent Living Caseworker Position Description: To develop and deliver independent living services to adolescents age in the agency s custody, and voluntary services to young adults 18 to 21 who emancipated from agency custody. Reports To: Placement Services Supervisor Employment Status: This is a full-time position carrying a 35-hour per week work generally scheduled 8:30am to 4:30pm with flexibly, depending on the demands of the caseload. Early morning, evening hours, or weekend work will be required to complete job responsibilities. Principal Responsibilities TASK 1 Schedule, coordinate and facilitate Independent Living class sessions for teens who are in the agency s custody. A. Develop and implement the curriculum for Independent Living classes and Community Service Projects. B. Tailor the curriculum to the age and functioning level of the participants in a particular session, based on the participants individual Independent Living Assessments. C. Arrange/provide transportation to attendees. TASK 2 Provide case management services to adolescent youth and young adults attaining independence. A. Develop individualized Independent Living Service Plans for youth aged 16 to18 years, and individualized Self-Sufficiency Plans for emancipated youth 18 to 21 per applicable Administrative Rules. B. Develop a transition (emancipation ) plan for leaving foster care and becoming independent C. Provide support and referral information regarding resources related to employment, education, housing, health care, mental health and community supports. D. Assist client in linking with community providers, family and support persons. E. Intervene in crisis situations. F. Maintain regular parent, child, foster parent and collateral contacts in keeping with agency and ODJFS standards. G. Provides effective support services to substitute caregivers aimed at preventing disruption and maintaining placements. H. Collaborate with other services providers and foster parents involved with the client. I. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings scheduled by the agency or other community provider. 1

2 TASK 3 Act as a resource to placement providers and adolescents regarding independent living issues. A. Provide information and support to care givers on helping youth develop skills for successful emancipation. B. Research innovative, effective programs and resources for youth emancipating from care. C. Develop programmatic initiatives in collaboration with agency staff and community members. TASK 4 Collaborate with national, state, and regional, as well as community services on independent living initiatives, best practice issues, and the promotion of the needs of Independent Living youth. A. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings addressing independent living issues. B. Participate in child advocacy initiatives focused on youth who have emancipated from foster care. TASK 5 Provide case record and information. A. Prepare reports, referrals, placement paperwork and other required documents accurately, completely and within established time frames. B. Prepare written case dictation, summaries and letters which are clear, logical, complete and timely. C. Make oral presentations and testify in various child-related agency, community service provider meetings and at court hearings. D. Obtain releases of information as necessary. E. Maintain records and updates on health and education of the youth in care. F. Make daily updates to SACWIS. TASK 6 Demonstrate recognition of the need for continued acquisition of knowledge and skill. A. Attend required training during first year of employment and required trainings thereafter. B. Remain open to learning from the client and understanding cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual and life-style differences. C. Participate in and contribute to agency meetings, discussions and conferences. TASK 7 Make appropriate use of supervision. A. Participate in regular supervisory conferences. B. Share records, letters, case information with supervisor. C. Share information with supervisor on independent decision making. 2

3 TASK 8 Demonstrate ability to display professional behavior and ethics within and outside the agency. A. Maintain confidentiality with case materials and case information. B. Maintain a professional appearance as required by the agency dress code policy. C. Maintain professional conduct and manner within and outside the agency and when interacting with difficult clients. D. Maintain and awareness of own values and their impact on practice. E. Demonstrate a cooperative effort within the unit, the agency, and outside agencies. F. Demonstrate effective use of time and resources. Any Other Duties and Responsibilities This position requires that the caseworker be flexible in performing infrequent duties, not already listed, which are necessary to support the mission of the agency. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed Knowledge of community resources. Ability to maintain relations with other social agencies, public officials and general public. Knowledge of child development and the effects of abuse and neglect. Knowledge of parenting skills and appropriate disciplining techniques. Knowledge of child behavior patterns and environmental factors. Awareness of local cultural norms and values. Proficiency in interviewing skills, listening and obtaining information Ability to gather knowledge of family s strengths and concerns and problem identification. Evaluation and assessment of family dynamics. Knowledge of social work methods, techniques and practices. Knowledge of legal requirements and court procedures. Time management and organizational skills Effective written and verbal skills. Ability to handle high levels of stress. Demonstrate knowledge of crisis-intervention and mediation skills. Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, standards and ODJFS rules. Effective engagement and communication skills with teens. Knowledge of community resources for employment, education, housing, health care, mental health and community supports. Qualifications BA in Social Work or a related degree; Licensed Social Worker preferred; valid driver s license and auto insurance coverage. 3

4 Equipment Operated IBM compatible computer, Multi-line telephone system, cellular telephone, copier, FAX machine Physically Demanding and Hazardous Working Conditions Inherent in This Job Description Physical Demands and Hazardous Working Conditions: The physical demands and hazardous working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is almost continuously required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may continuously repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times as in typing. The position frequently requires non-stop typing on the computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, such as files or computer reports. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet deadlines with time constraints and to interact with the public and other workers. The employee may occasionally come into contact with irate or upset individuals. General Duty: Safe and Healthful Workplace The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment. However, the noise level can vary depending upon daily activity but will still remain within the acceptable noise level range. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff. The employee will be required to meet multiple demands from several people. Required Training The Caseworker is to attend all required core training within the first year of employment. An additional 12 hours of domestic violence training is required in the first two years. ACCS staff attend safety training as offered through the RTC and agency scheduled training. Caseworkers are expected to upgrade knowledge and skills through 36 hours per year of advanced training as recommended by their supervisors. Caseworkers are expected to use Agency computer programs including SACWIS, Microsoft Office, Groupwise, and any other computer programming that will be utilized by the agency in the future. Orientation to these programs will be provided by the agency. 4

5 General Conditions of Employment Other conditions of employment as explained in the Agency Policy and Procedures Manual. Employee Signature date Supervisor Signature date R:\Public\Job Descriptions\Placement Services\ 5