Licensed Social Worker/Case Manager for Youth in Foster Care

The Social Worker/Case Manager will be responsible for a caseload of up to 8 children and youth residing in foster care. Provide support to other case managers with therapeutic strategies to meet the youth’s needs. Provide staffing supports to foster parents as needed. Participate in weekly staff meetings. Flexible schedule, on call responsibilities, and must have a minimum of a LSWA and 2 years’ experience as a case manager.

Description:

• Provide holistic, individualized, and effective Case Management supports to youth residing in the agency’s Comprehensive Foster Care Program
• Assist with the intake and transition process for youth referred to the Program
• Assist in working towards creating permanency for youths supported
• Develop, follow, and implement all safety guidelines, procedures and assessment results to ensure that youth’s health, personal, safety needs are met at all times
• Work collaboratively with the agency’s nurse to ensure that youth’s medical/dental/psychiatric needs are met at all times
• Assist in the development of child specific treatment objectives based on DCF Service Plan goals
• Coordinate and facilitate evidence based therapeutic supports and skill building activities to assist youth in overcoming challenges.
• Assist in trauma screenings, referrals for evaluations and therapy, and in establishing and implementing child specific trauma informed approaches .
• Assist in the development and implementation of Positive Behavior interventions and plans
• Facilitate the implementation of established child specific supports such as sensory diet and activities, speech and language exercises, etc.
• Work collaboratively with the Family Resource Staff in providing guidance, training, and supervision to Foster Parents and support staff
• Visit with youths and Foster Parents at least once a week, assist with appointments as needed, provides therapeutic direct care supports
• Participate in meetings such as Foster Care Reviews and Treatment Plan meetings as needed
• Function as a liaison to DCF/DMH Social Workers and collaterals
• Maintain required documentation/records and ensure compliance with all EEC, DMH, and DCF regulations, policies, contracting and reporting requirements and guidelines.
• Assist youth in the development and implementation of life skills and related tasks and in becoming as self- sufficient as possible ( including vocational training and employment activities) without compromising safety
• Assist youth on the development of personal and social skills.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary and appropriate.
• Assist in collaborating with Permanent Resources on skill development related to parenting and therapeutic supports
• Work collaboratively with the Educational Advocate and Foster Parents to ensure that youth’s educational needs are met
• Promote a healthy life style and assist with the development and access of meaningful community based recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Assist in planning and facilitating therapeutic agency activities i.e. groups, classes, outings, etc.
• Assist facilitating the application process for youths transitioning to Adult Services
• Promotes and teaches human rights and self- advocacy skills.
• Assist in facilitation of discharge and after care activities
• Participate in on call responsibilities/rotation
• Be available to work afternoons and evenings and one weekend day.

Education:

Minimum requirements Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field. As a condition of employment all applicants must have a valid LSWA, LCSW, or LICSW Social Work License (meeting the DCF contractual requirements) or must obtain said license within the first six months of employment.

Experience:

Applicants should have at least two years experience in Human Services, preferably working with youth with developmental disabilities or multiple challenges in a Case Management Capacity.

Skills/Qualities/Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge of training methods and supervisory skills
• Ability to provide comprehensive and effective case management services
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• High degree of flexibility, adaptability, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a confidential working relationship
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Effective crisis intervention skills
• Ability to apply a variety of therapeutic approaches and strategies
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Approaches and Positive Behavior Supports
• Knowledge related to Sensory Integration, therapeutic groups and activities, and the benefits of Eco therapy
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrates solid interpersonal skills and is reliable, consistent and dependable.
• Exhibits good judgment and decision making skills even in challenging situations.
• Demonstrates creative problem-solving skills.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates initiative, commitment, and positive energy.
• Demonstrates personal awareness/self-reflection related to work issues and performance and is committed to personal and professional growth.
• Understandings of Shared Living Collaborative, and funding agencies policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Understands the dynamics of comprehensive therapeutic foster care.
• Ability to work effectively with all collaterals
• Ability to initiate, coordinate and provide oversight related to all medical and therapeutic supports, safety procedures, skill development, behavior guidelines, assessments, Service/Treatment Plans, Progress Reports, etc.
• Applicants must also demonstrate a knowledge related to all essential safeguards and procedures such as fire safety, environmental and street safety.
• Current CPR, First Aid, certification (training can be provided)

Benefits available after ninety days probationary period, and include:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible Medical and Dependant Care spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan (403b)
• Free horseback riding lessons

English