Child Welfare Case Worker (Foster Care & Adoption Specialist)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Performs and functions with a high degree of supervisor involvement. It is expected that the worker would show more independence as he or she develops skills and knowledge. The worker would provide case management to foster and adoptive homes during the initial certification/approval process and would be responsible for completing all re-certifications and updates. The worker will provide case management to children in the agencys Permanent Custody and/or Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA). The worker will complete adoption activities, relating to these children, through finalization. The worker will participate in foster parent training and recruitment activities. The worker will assist in selecting proper placements for the children into foster and adoptive settings. The worker will be cross trained for other job duties within the unit.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

– A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Social Work or closely related social services degree A Masters Degree in Social Work is preferred
– A high degree of knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures and policy
– Must have completed or will complete in their first year, Adoption Assessor Tier I training
– Must have completed or will complete Adoption Assessor Tier II training within 3 years of being in the position and must meet the 2-year requirement to maintain the Adoption Assessor certification
– A valid Ohio drivers license
– Auto insurance required by law and agency needs
– Access to private vehicle on a daily basis

Pay:  $20.95 — 28.41

DUTIES; KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

JOB DUTIES:

90% of time

– Provides case management to assigned foster and/or adoptive homes
– Monitors each foster parent assigned to ensure that all training needs are met timely and prior to recertification activities
– Makes monthly home visits to the home to monitor adjustment of children placed in the home and documents accordingly
– Completes initial certification/approval and all re-certification and updates relating to foster and/or adoptive homes, according to Ohio Administrative Code rules
– Assists in locating and securing placements (foster, group home, residential) for children in the agencys custody
– Participates in monthly foster/adoptive parent recruitment events and support meetings (e.g. attends meetings, activities, fundraising projects)
– Hosts training sessions and support groups
– Attends meetings and/or court hearings that may be held on a child that is assigned
– Provides case management of PC and/or PPLA cases for children
– Completes kinship assessments for the following: incarcerated mothers, requests through ICPC or through other Ohio county PCSAs, as needed

10% of time:

– Presents speeches to interested community groups about services the agency provides
– Attends workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training sessions to enhance knowledge of new techniques and methods utilized in child welfare
– Participates on committees and workgroups as required and assigned by supervisor
– Will have a working knowledge of other job functions within the unit and assist as necessary

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

– Agency policies and procedures
– Ohio Administrative Code Rules
– Interview techniques
– Counseling (child and family)
– Social work techniques
– Court processes and procedures
– Federal and state documentation procedures

SKILLS REQUIRED:

To assess family functioning,