Social Worker - Child Welfare

Company: Casey Family Programs
Location: Yakima
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation's largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America. Founded in 1966, we work in 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories and with more than a dozen tribal nations to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live. Casey Family Programs values inclusion, diversity, equity, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives from underrepresented communities to apply.Casey Family Programs requires a COVID-19 vaccination for in-person work. Therefore, all employees will be required to present proof of vaccination status unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.Job Summary:The Social Worker is primarily responsible for the coordination and delivery of services to youth, young adults and families who are in the child welfare system, have been involved with the child welfare system or are at risk of entering the child welfare system. The service interventions designed by the Social Worker result in safety and improved outcomes in permanency and well being which impact reduction of entry into foster care, reduction of length of stay in foster care and increased exits foster care. In collaboration with field office staff, this position assists in assuring that the CFS workforce is focused on achieving organizational goals through their direct practice and consultation roles. The Social Worker provides clinical case management and works closely with public child welfare system staff, supervisors and court personnel to identify and mitigate barriers to timely permanency. The Social Worker is on call 24 hours per day, subject to each field office's mode of ensuring coverage.Essential Responsibilities: --- Provides case management services for youth, young adults and families on assigned caseload, in accordance Casey practice standards, local regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. This includes clinical assessment of individual and family safety/functioning/needs; assessing and identifying pathways and barriers to legal and relational permanency; arranging for supportive/ameliorative services that address permanency and well being needs; and working effectively with the local child welfare jurisdiction to achieve the identified outcomes. Makes assessment of need for relevant services and coordinates with vendors the securing of services and as appropriate provides initial review and approval of invoices and reports against allocated budgets. Complies with all documentation requirements for internal and external audits of case records and documents work to inform best practice in expediting permanency in foster care. 35% --- Responsible for guiding the process towards permanency and improved well being by engaging all stakeholders in the development and implementation of case goals and service strategies to meet those goals. This is achieved through development of effective, intensive relationships with clients, collaterals, public system workers and supervisors, members of the judiciary and community service providers that are goal directed and informed by the mutually developed case goals and includes arrangement and facilitation of regular extended team meetings. Implementation of service strategies requires application of clinical knowledge related to mental health, Family Group Decision Making, family finding and birth family engagement as well as specialized knowledge in promotion of positive outcomes in permanency, education, employment and an ability to maximize community supports and resources. Permanency focused work includes engagement of birth parents for reunification, relative and non-related caregivers for adoption/guardianship and identification of needed post permanency support to ensure stability and longevity of legal and relational permanence. In collaboration with Family Engagement Liaison, coordinates, determines appropriate plan and implements the selected Family Group Conferencing (FGC) plans. Adds to FGC capacity in Field Office by conducting FGCs as part of overall work assignment. 30% --- Collaborates with field office leadership and staff to coordinate teaming activities to expedite improved outcomes for all clients served and to support a continuous learning environment. This includes participation in clinical staffing processes as both recipient and contributor to case review, partnering with field office staff to ensure that clients are effectively served through the life of the case and actively engaging in ongoing learning activities. Participates in staff meetings to assess referrals/resource families, analyze data to inform practice/program improvements and identify process improvement to ensure field office goals are met. 20% --- May consult, teach, facilitate groups, and otherwise assist in the advancement of learning of targeted youth, professionals, and families. Provides expertise to external partners through Systems Improvement efforts such as Permanency Roundtables in jurisdictions around the country to promote improved permanency outcomes. Serves, by appointment, on various Casey work committees or task forces. 10% --- Other duties as assigned 5% Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in Social Work or Master's Degree in an area of study focusing on direct practice in child welfare that includes a clinical internship or practicum.
• Five years of professional child welfare social service experience, two years of which must have been at the advanced level, is also required.
• Broad knowledge of social work practice and clinical theory, including diagnostic and treatment skills in family systems approach, is essential.
• Expertise in the areas of permanency, improved well-being outcomes for youth in care, and family engagement, community supports and evidenced based and promising practices aimed at strengthening families and ensuring child safety required. Clinical expertise in the area of family systems and knowledge in the areas of substance abuse, mental health and domestic violence necessary.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook) as well as electronic case management systems required.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical for this position.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, text, and figures; ability to type utilizing a computer keyboard; ability to travel to outside locations; and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Local travel required for home visits, meetings with families, and other regularly meetings as well as occasional out of town travel are required. Driving on Casey business may require use of personal vehicle; adherence to vehicle safety guidelines and qualification for insurance is required.

Keywords: Casey Family Programs, Yakima , Social Worker - Child Welfare, Healthcare , Yakima, Washington