Human Services Professional I - Family Support & Preservation Specialist

This is a professional level Social Worker/Case Manager position with Rock County.  The work involves acting as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in serving the clients and families of Rock County Human Services', CPS Division, in order to assure that children are safe, protected and receive permanence.  This position primarily works with families within the child welfare system by working collaboratively with families and Child Protective Services Case Managers to promote family support through prevention, family preservation, and reunification services.  This position will work closely with CPS Case managers and families in order to implement and sustain in-home safety plans when impending danger threats are identified by assisting in providing necessary safety services in order to prevent out-of-home placement, which may include safety check-ins with family, observation and supervision, transportation, etc.  In addition, this position will complete child welfare service referrals that do not rise to the level of CPS intervention; however, the family would benefit from additional services to assist in the prevention of child abuse or neglect.  This position will also support reunification by providing additional family interaction time when children are in out-of-home care to promote and support reunification. 
 
This position supports and promotes the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the Human Services Department and performs in a manner consistent with the Professional Standards, Commitment to Co-Workers and the Family First Prevention Services Act.

50%- PROVIDE SERVICES TO SUPPORT FAMILY PRESERVATION
1.  Collaborate with CPS Case Managers to provide identified services to families who are at risk of removal due to safety that may include, but not limited to: Observation/Supervision, drug screens, parenting education, budgeting support, random check-ins, providing transportation, housing assistance, mentoring, etc. 
2.  Accurately document information observed and/or learned during contacts with the family and provide that information to the current case manager to assist in the safety assessment.
3.  Conduct home visits when appropriate and requested by the assigned case manager or supervisor. 
4.   Engage youth/families through a highly accessible, responsive and empowering approach.
5.  Partner with youth/families in order to build on strengths, enhance protective factors, and decrease risks. 
6.  Support youth/families in navigating systems of care in order to get their identified needs met.
7.  Act as a community referral source and resource person 
 
20%- ENGAGING AND BUILDING TRUST WITH FAMILIES
1. Obtain signatures on Releases of Information.
2.  Assist in obtaining and delivering needed in-kind benefits (hotel vouchers, gas cards, basic need items). 
3.   Maintains compassion, empathy, validation and respect to the family. 
4.  Models a family-centered, nonjudgmental approach.
5. Attends and participates in Family Team Meetings, as requested.
6.  Complete screened-in child welfare services reports, consistent with DCF Access and Initial Assessment standards by engaging with families, assisting in identifying and connecting them to services, and enhancing their protective capacities

10%- DOCUMENTATION
1.  Maintain documentation in accordance with appropriate case noting, withing time required, and program requirements.
2. Document needs, strengths, and outcomes.
3. Assist in note taking during meetings, if requested.
4. Maintain client/agency records in accordance with federal, state and agency policies. 
5.  Maintain the confidentiality of client information and protected health information as required by federal & state regulations and comply with accepted professional standards. 

10%- PROVIDE SUPERVISED VISITATION, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOME VISITS AS NEEDED TO PROMORE REUNIFICATION
1. Provide transportation for children and families to appointments, school, and/or other important events designated by the assigned case worker or supervisor. 
2.  Assist in scheduling appointments when needed as determined by case worker and supervisor.
3.  Conduct safe, supervised visits with family members when children are in out-of-home care in order to support reunification.
4.  Monitor child/family interaction during visitation and complete necessary paperwork.
5.  Follows all safety measures while having contact with family and/or providing services.
6.  Adheres to all confidentiality rules and demonstrates healthy professional boundaries. 

5%- PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
1.  Attend necessary trainings to learn how to identify and assess for child safety using the DCF Safety Intervention Standards.
2.  Attend all staff meetings, unit meetings, and individual supervision/consultation as scheduled.
3.  Attend trainings that will enhance professional growth as approved by the direct supervisor.  

5%- PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED 
1.  Complete additional tasks as assigned by Supervisor.
2.  Support new and existing staff and interns by mentoring and teaching, as needed.
3.  May be assigned to participate in committees within the department, county or community to represent CPS.

-Knowledge and use of social work principles, methods and practices.  
 
-Ability to engage children, youth, and families with risk factors for a mental health crisis, out of home placement, and court system involvement.
 
-Skills to work cooperatively with a diverse group of people.
 
-Skills to focus on strengths and understand multiple perspectives.
 
-Ability to provide support and demonstrate patience.
 
-Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
 
-Ability to work and make decisions independently.
 
-Ability to be solution focused and accept change.
 
-Ability to prioritize work duties and successfully meet deadlines as assigned.
 
-Ability to travel throughout the county on a daily basis with personal vehicle.
 
-Ability to transport youth of all ages.
 
-Ability to have a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the family.
 
-Knowledge, or motivation to learn county wide resources for children, youth, and families at risk.
 
-Knowledge, or motivation to learn and model, Trauma Informed Care practices.
 
-Knowledge, or motivation to learn, Family First Prevention Services Act.
 
-Knowledge, or motivation to learn, court systems and legal processes related to families.
 
-Ability to build and effectively manage relationships with community agencies, providers, schools, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders. 
 -Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field.
 
-Social Work Certification, preferred.
 
-Training or experience in computer applications.
 
-Must possess and maintain a current unrestricted (not due to corrective lenses) driver's license and auto insurance pursuant to the Rock County Administrative Policy and Procedure Policy 5.02 and 5.27.
Physical: 
-Ability to walk, stand, sit, and be active with children and youth.
- Ability to exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently. 
 
Equipment use: 
-Ability to use a computer and computer keyboard.
-Ability to use a copier, fax, scanner and telephone.
- Ability to type notes on a daily basis and utilize computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and eWiSACWIS. 
 
Working: 
-Ability to work in multiple locations including the office, client's home, and a variety of community locations. 
- Valid Driver's license, insurance, and use of personal vehicle.
- Available to work a flexible schedule including work into the evenings and weekends when needed to meet client needs.
- Potential Exposure to physically or verbally abusive clients.
Ability to visit environments with a moderate risk for disease or physical harm.

Salary : $28 - $31