Foster Care Specialist

Foster Care Specialist

Requisition #: req14700

Location: Athens, GA

Hours: Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

As the Foster Care Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for providing case management services to children in care. This individual is also responsible for ensuring that children can safely return home to their families and if that is not possible make sure that the child(ren) receive the best alternative permanent plan in accordance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management services as defined by program expectations and guidelines, to include social work, treatment of clients, and coordinate community referrals;
• Ensure the child’s safety while in care;
• Coordinate intake and initial placement to all newly referred cases;
• Maintain regular contact with foster families and provide professional assistance to help resolve problems regarding care and supervision of any child placed in the home;
• Administer and maintain case files and documentation within the appropriate database in a timely manner based on guidelines and procedures set forth;
• Develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) with the foster parent, client, case manager, birth family (when applicable) and supervisor in accordance with program timeframes;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, to review case plan and direction and to evaluate client participation and progress;
• Successful meet the reporting guidelines set forth by the agency and funding entity;
• Attend and be prepared for all court hearings that occur on assigned cases;
• Administer supportive social services to child, birth family, and foster family during initial placement and replacement;
• Participate in the rotating on-call schedule, as needed;
• Attend internal and external training and apply newly gained knowledge in providing services;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s level degree in Social Work or related Human Service field of study from an accredited
  college;
• At least one (1) year of prior experience in child and family welfare, a plus;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates excellent assessment, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Must be able and willing to work some evenings and weekends as needed;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment.

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