BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Foster Care Homes Case Manager / Developer supports and strengthens resource families to provide safe, nurturing care for children in out-of-home placement. Under supervision, this role ensures that each child's needs are met through the development and implementation of individualized service plans and by providing direct aftercare services. In addition, the Case Manager / Developer actively engages the community to generate interest in foster and adoptive parenting, guiding prospective families through the licensure process and serving as an ongoing resource and support system for licensed foster families

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Engages and assists resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families for placement of support resources and provide aftercare services.

Completes written documentation and licensing requirements per DFPS guidelines for resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families

Completes written annual documentation and licensing requirements for resource families

Participates in required pre-service training required for prospective resource families, which may include conducting the training

Provides ongoing training and resources for resource (kinship foster and adoptive) care, as needed.

Identity the special needs of children and make referrals to appropriate resources to meet the needs.

Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with the child's service plan Team, parent's attorney ad-litem, CASA volunteers, STAR health coordinator and other Stakeholders, to encompass goals and objectives for meeting the need of the children in care in accordance with licensing, agency standards and aftercare services.

Develop and maintain child education portfolio and act as the child's education liaison.

Provide counseling to the child and their birth and/or resource family to resolve behavior, personal, and discipline issues and to strengthen relationships.

Assures and facilitates team meetings and related activities are conducted within standards

Completes and distributes written documentation accurately and timely.

Liaison with SSCC, DFPS, the courts, community resources, and families

Provides services according to compliance guidelines

Participates in on-call after hours coverage on a rotating basis

Participates in team meetings.

Continually engages all prospective families until foster care license is received.

Recruits foster and adoptive families through advertisements, contacts, speaking engagements, community activities, and/or referring agencies.

Participates in team meetings, sharing pertinent information regarding recruitment and resource development.

Conducts National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) training for prospective resource families.

Completes referral process for all prospective families.

Coordinates licensing through DFPS.

Maintain family's engagement with Saint Francis from initial contact until Together Facing the Challenge and verification is complete

Completes written documentation in staff, client, and foster family files in a concise and timely manner.

Reports critical incidents to DFPS verbally within 12 hours, written within 24 hours

Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms

Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures

Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels

Ensures clients' rights are protected

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in social work or human services field from an accredited college or university.

2 years' experience experience in child welfare direct service.

Must be 21 years of age.

Must pass a drug screen, MVR, Criminal History and DFPS History Check, Centralized Background Check Unit Texas Health and Human Services Eligibility and any background checks deemed to be necessary.

FBI Fingerprint Check.

Lifting requirements 50 lbs.

Must have a valid driver's license, acceptable driving and reliable transportation.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Mandated reporter

Receives training in trauma informed practice and incorporates knowledge in day-to-day practice

Understanding of family centered practice, genograms, ecomaps, and social histories

Understanding of the child welfare and state system

Family counseling techniques, both individual and group

Understanding of child and adolescent's development

Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills

Must be a team player

Ability to travel though out the State

Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure

Organizational skills

Clerical skills including filing and typing

Computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing

Handles multiple priorities

Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position

Manages stress appropriately

Works alone effectively

Works near others and/or in a distracting environment

Understands and practices Universal Precautions