2015/2016 Child Welfare. Stipend Program. School of Social Work. University of Nevada, Reno

Transcription

1 2015/2016 Child Welfare Stipend Program School of Social Work University of Nevada, Reno

2 Congratulations on your admission to the School of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno and your acceptance into a Child Welfare Field Placement! We would like to give you all the details about the Title IV-E Stipend program, an exciting educational financial support opportunity made available to students interested in working in the field of child welfare upon completion of their social work degree. Each year several child welfare educational stipends (also known as forgivable loans ) are awarded to selected undergraduate and graduate social work students at the University of Nevada, Reno. These stipends are made available through a federally funded program for the purpose of improving the training and education of social workers in the field of public child welfare. In Nevada, for the 2015/2016 academic year, the educational stipend will pay $10,118* (BSW students) and $14,172* (MSW students) per year. Awarded stipends will be disbursed in two installments. One half of the award will be dispersed as a loan on approximately October 15, 2015 while the other half will be dispersed as a loan on approximately January 15, If you accept a stipend, you will be asked to make a commitment to work for one of the three Nevada public child welfare agencies. These agencies include Washoe County Department of Social Services (Reno), Division of Child & Family Services (Statewide), or Clark County Department of Social Services (Las Vegas). By accepting a stipend, you agree to work for at least one year for every year that you receive a stipend award. If you fail to fulfill the contractual commitment, you will be required to pay back the amount of the educational stipend plus 8% interest annually. If you go to work for one of these public child welfare agencies following your social work training (includes graduation and licensure) and fulfill your commitment, you will not be expected to pay back the loan. I am excited about your interest in a career in public child welfare service. This handbook has been designed as a guide to explain both the program and the process. I hope you will find it useful. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Again, congratulations. I look forward to having you as a Child Welfare colleague and scholar! *Subject to change Jennifer Dole Massie Jennifer Dole Massie, MSW Title IV-E Training Coordinator School of Social Work 2

3 Child Welfare Education Program Staff Jennifer Massie, MSW Title IV-E Training Coordinator Jill Manit, MSW Field Education Program Coordinator Fran Donald Administrative Assistant General Information Nevada Partnership for Training & IV-E Stipend Program Physical Address: Mailing Address: Wedge Parkway, 201D 1664 North Virginia Street M/S 419 Reno, NV Reno, NV School of Social Work 1664 North Virginia Street M/S 90 Reno, NV

4 Child Welfare Stipend Program The Child Welfare Stipend Program is a collaborative effort between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work and the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). The program assists students pursuing their Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree with a focus of study in child welfare by providing financial assistance and educational support. The mission of the program is to strengthen the public child welfare workforce. Academic Program & Program Supports If you obtain a Child Welfare Educational Stipend, the social work academic program at the University of Nevada will include the following: Field placement with one of the various service units of the child welfare agencies in northern Nevada, including DCFS Carson City, Elko, Ely, Fallon, Pahrump, Winnemucca or WCDSS in Reno. (Acceptance into a field placement by a public child welfare agency is a pre-requisite to stipend eligibility.) Successful completion of SW468 - Child in the Community course. This course is taught in spring semester and must be completed prior to graduation (undergraduate students only). Welcome and Stipend Orientation Webinar (Monday, September 28, 2015 from 6-7pm) In-person lunch gatherings at the Joe (Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 12-1; Saturday, December 5th; Spring dates TBD) Program Supports at Graduation Name provided to Public Child Welfare Agencies upon graduation for recruitment purposes. Consultation with Coordinator available to support in job search Payback Obligation Child Welfare Stipend Recipients agree to secure employment (includes applying for, interviewing for, and accepting an offer) in one of the three (3) public child welfare agencies in Nevada (Washoe County Department of Social Services, Division of Child and Family Services Rural Region, or Clark County Department of Family Services) within 2 months of completion of social work training (includes graduation and licensure). It is recommended that Recipients consider employment statewide to maximize opportunities. It is further required that recipients maintain detailed written documentation of their employment efforts and will submit to the Coordinator upon request. 4

5 Upon hire, Stipend Recipients in the program agree to work for one of the three (3) public child welfare agencies in Nevada (Washoe County Department of Social Services, Division of Child and Family Services Rural Region, or Clark County Department of Family Services) for one full year of full-time employment for each year a stipend was received. If there are no child welfare case management positions open for application within 2 months of completion of social work training (includes graduation and licensure), a written request by the Stipend Recipient, for waiver of the stipend payback obligation, is to be submitted to the Coordinator. If, for any reason, except no open positions as stated above, the Stipend Recipient does not secure employment with one of the three (3) public child welfare agencies in Nevada, the Stipend Recipient will be expected to begin paying back the loan. Additionally, if a Stipend Recipient secures employment as stated above, but fails to complete the one year obligation, the Stipend Recipient will be expected to begin loan repayment. If a loan payback is initiated, the loan is expected to be paid back in full within three (3) years of the initiation of the payback process to include 8% interest annually and all costs associated with collection of the loan. Further, a hold will be put on the Stipend Recipients school records (transcripts) if the loan payback is not in place. Upon completion of the 1 year employment obligation or upon loan payback, the Stipend Recipient will receive a paid in full letter. DCFS-FPO reserves the right to consider extenuating circumstances when deciding upon loan payback and making special arrangements on a case by case basis. 5

6 Application Process Attend the mandatory information session regarding the stipend program that is held in conjunction with the pre-placement orientation sessions at the end of spring semester. These sessions will be offered on Thursday, March 26 th 5:00-6:00pm or Saturday, March 28 th 12:30-1:30pm. You must have attended one of these sessions to apply for the stipend. Express your interest in a public child welfare field practicum to Jill Manit, Field Coordinator, at the earliest opportunity and follow the steps necessary to request an interview for a child welfare placement with Washoe County Department of Social Services and/or Division of Child & Family Services Rural Region. Participate in the practicum interview process with a public child welfare agency, if provided the opportunity. If accepted by a public child welfare agency for a practicum, immediately complete and compile the Stipend Application Packet. The packet includes: 1. Application 2. Personal Statement 3. 2 (BSW) or 3 (MSW) Letters of Recommendation 4. Current Resume 5. Section 1 of INS Form 1-9 (please print most recent version from USCIS website) 6. Completed criminal background check (or evidence that it is pending) 7. Completed CANS (or evidence that it is pending) *If you are currently employed by a Nevada public child welfare agency at the time you complete the balance of the application, the following criteria must first be met before your application will be considered. You must have successfully completed the required probationary period. Your job performance appraisals must have achieved meets standards or above scores. Decision Making Process Upon receipt of the application packet and confirmation of your field placement in child welfare, all applications will be forwarded to the Stipend Selection Committee for review. The committee is comprised of Agency and University representatives. At its discretion, the committee may request an interview in addition to your application packet. Only a certain number of stipends can be awarded based on the available funding. Not all applicants will be offered a stipend. 6

7 University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work Title IV-E Educational Stipend Program Application Please complete the following application packet and submit to Jennifer Massie (IV-E Stipend Coordinator) at M/S 0419 or hand deliver to Fran Donald in the Social Work Office by 5pm on September 15, Please complete the following information -- Last Name: First Name: Middle Name: Local Address: Mailing Address: Home: ( ) Cell: ( ) Child Welfare Field Placement Site: BSW MSW Anticipated Graduation Date: Anticipated community preference for completing your post-graduate employment obligation in child welfare (Please check all that apply) Reno (Washoe County) Las Vegas (CCDSS) Carson City (DCFS) Elko (DCFS) Ely (DCFS) Fallon (DCFS) Fernley (DCFS) Pahrump (DCFS) Tonopah (DCFS) Winnemucca (DCFS) Yerington (DCFS) Other Do you speak any languages other than English? Yes No If Yes, please list: 7

8 Please attach the following to the Application: Personal Statement - A 2½ - 3 page (double-spaced) statement addressing your educational aspirations and career goals as related to employment with a public child welfare agency. Include information about how your past experiences will influence you as you pursue child welfare; the impact of diversity and cultural issues on the practice of child welfare and your thoughts on legal and policy issues that impact child welfare practice. Two (2) (BSW) or three (3) (MSW) Letters of Recommendation (written by those who are familiar with the nature and quality of your work performance - If you are currently employed by a child welfare agency, one of your references must be from that agency.) Current Resume Section 1 of INS Form 1-9 (please print most recent version from USCIS website) Completed criminal background check (or letter from your Agency stating that your background check is pending) Completed CANS (or letter from your Agency stating that you CANS check is pending) If you are currently employed by a Nevada public child welfare agency you must have successfully completed the required probationary period, your job performance appraisals must have achieved meets standards or above scores and you must attach these additional items to the application: Letter of recommendation from current supervisor, specifically addressing the benefit to the agency of an advanced degree; One (1) additional letter of professional reference 8

9 Agreement Upon selection, Stipend Recipients will meet with the Coordinator and be required to sign the Child Welfare Stipend Agreement. This agreement is a binding contract between the stipend recipient, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work, and the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services. This agreement outlines the agency s responsibilities to students, as well as the student s responsibilities to the agency, including expectations upon graduation. In addition, the agreement includes the conditions that must be met in order to participate and remain in the program. Loan Information Sheet If you are offered a stipend, you will be asked to complete the Loan Information Sheet. The information on this form helps us know the student s whereabouts at the end of the program. We may use this information to help locate students for payback or contact them for the evaluation and/or reporting purposes. Timeline Child Welfare Internships Begin August 24, 2015 Stipend Application Due September 15, 2015 Stipend Decision Made September 22, 2015 Stipend Program Webinar Orientation September 28, 2015; 6-7 pm First Half of the Stipend Award Dispersed (est.) October 15, 2015 In-Person Lunch at the Joe November 7, 2015; 12-1 In-Person Lunch at the Joe December 5, 2015; 12-1 Winter Break December 21, 2015 January 23, 2016 Second Half of the Stipend Award Dispersed (est.) January 15, 2016 In-Person Lunch at the Joe February, 2015; 12-1 (Date TBD) In-Person Lunch at the Joe March, 2015; 12-1 (Date TBD) In-Person Lunch at the Joe April, 2015; 12-1 (Date TBD) Graduation May,

10 UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO BachelorOF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM CHILD WELFARE STIPEND RECIPIENT AGREEMENT Academic Year 2015 Agreement Between University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work AND (Hereinafter referred to as Stipend Recipient ) ( Stipend Recipient ) has been selected by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) School of Social Work as a recipient of a Child Welfare Educational Stipend in the total amount of $. The stipend will be paid in two installments of $. The funds for this stipend derive from the Child Welfare Title IV-E Training Funds Program ( Program ). The stipend is given in the form of a forgivable loan, whose repayment will be waived if the Stipend Recipient fulfills the terms of this agreement. Responsibility of Title IV-E Program Stipend Recipient: Please initial each item: To successfully complete the coursework necessary to receive a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, in spring This coursework includes SW468 The Child in the Community (taught during spring semester) and the successful completion of a child welfare practicum. To disclose any history of arrest and/or conviction. Further, to disclose any incident of arrest and/or conviction from the date of this agreement until completion of the Stipend obligation, within 7 days of the incident. Failure to adhere to the above requirements will result in the Stipend Recipient becoming ineligible for, and/or terminated from, the Program and responsible for repaying any funds expended thus far in accordance with the Program. 10

11 To disclose any previous history with Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Washoe County Department of Social Services (WCDSS), or Clark County Department of Family Services (CCDFS). This includes but is not limited to being a Foster Parent or having an active or closed case as a caregiver in Child Protective Services, Foster Care, or Adoptions. To participate in and successfully complete the Child Protective Services background screening process. If the Stipend Recipient has history that is deemed to be disqualifying for employment by a Nevada child welfare entity, the Stipend Recipient will be ineligible for, and/or terminated from the Program and be responsible for repaying any funds expended in accordance with the program. To verify identity and employment eligibility by completing Section 1 of INS Form I-9, providing the required documentation and then submitting it to the IV-E Program Administrator as part of the application process. The Stipend Recipient is required to maintain their eligibility for employment in the United States throughout the period of participation in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Education Program including the required employment period. To adhere to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and abide by State and Federal laws. To obtain Nevada Social Work licensure. To secure employment with a Nevada public child welfare agency (Washoe County Department of Social Services, Division of Child and Family Services - in any of its 4 District offices or sub-offices, or Clark County Department of Social Services) within 2 months of the date of completion of social work training (includes graduation and licensure.) To render a minimum of one (1) calendar year of continuous and satisfactory full time employment with a Nevada public child welfare agency for each academic year a stipend was received. To notify the Title IV-E Training Coordinator in the School of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno, of any changes in legal name, address, or place of employment until the employment or pay-back obligation is complete. To participate in follow-up evaluations of the educational stipend program as requested. To investigate and understand the impact of stipend dollars on the Stipend Recipient s financial aid package. 11

12 To re-pay the stipend in full plus 8% per year interest and any late fees, attorney fees, and collection fees within three (3) years of graduation if the terms of this agreement are not met. Responsibility of the University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada Division of Child and Family Services Program Office Please initial each item: To provide the Stipend Recipient with funds as agreed upon in this Agreement for the selected academic year(s) contingent upon availability of Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program funds. To suspend or terminate stipend payments if the Stipend Recipient is not performing their coursework satisfactorily because of a problem which cannot be corrected. To forgive the stipend and waive the employment obligation if there is not a job opening in any of the Nevada public child welfare agencies within two (2) months after completion of social work training (includes graduation and licensure.) To halt and/or seek re-payment of stipend payments in the event that the Stipend Recipient does not meet the terms of this agreement as outlined including forwarding the account to collections and placing a hold on student records until the stipend loan is repaid in full. To retain the right to pro-rate, reduce, or otherwise alter the amount of repayment based on the individual circumstance of a Stipend Recipient who does not fulfill their contractual obligation. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by DCFS Programs Office independent of any other decision and at their sole discretion. General Provisions Please initial each item: It is understood by all parties that all information regarding the Stipend Recipients performance while in practicum will be shared between the public child welfare agency and the UNR School of Social Work. This agreement is in full effect upon disbursement of any portion of the IV-E Child Welfare Education Stipend monies and shall terminate upon successful completion of the required employment or reimbursement by the Stipend Recipient. 12

13 Stipend Recipient acknowledges that the full dollar amount received will be reported to the IRS on form All parties acknowledge careful review of this Agreement and fully understand the obligations hereunder, and are voluntarily entering into this Agreement. In witness thereof, this agreement is signed and entered into on the date entered below. (Stipend Recipient) Print Name Signature Date (UNR SSW) Print Name Signature Date (DCFS) Print Name Signature Date 13

14 Student Information (please print) STUDENT LOAN INFORMATION SHEET University of Nevada, Reno Loan Department (775) or (775) Last Name First Name Middle Initial Date of Birth Driver License No./State Student ID No. Mailing Address Permanent Address Address City State Zip City State Zip Personal address: Projected Graduation Date: Home Phone #: Cell Phone #: Employer: Company name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # Parent or Guardian: Name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # Siblings over 18 not living at home: Name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # Name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # Personal References (do not use relatives) Name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # Name Address/City/State/Zip Phone # 14

15 Personal Change of Information Form Students will find a Change of Information Form on the title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend link on the School of Social Work webpage. Please submit this form to the Coordinator if you have any contact information changes between the time that you sign the Agreement and complete your employment obligation. Changes that require submission of the form include changes to your name, address, phone number, and . Program Evaluation Stipend Recipients agree to participate in confidential surveys to evaluate the Child Welfare Stipend Program. Participation will help us improve our quality of education and training for future students in our program and give child welfare organizations insight on better ways to support and retain program participants. Disclaimer: This handbook is written as a guide and contains general information for students in the Child Welfare Stipend Program. It does not address all situations, possibilities or exceptions. Changes to the handbook may occur at any time. As changes occur, we will update the handbook on-line. It is the student s responsibility to understand, keep current and ask clarifying questions from a Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator. Students will need to refer to their School of Social Work and Field Handbooks as well. 15