Adoption Social Service Worker

Social Service Worker

Join our dynamic team as a Social Service Worker, performing a full range of assignments to provide services to birth families, foster families, and adoptive families. This full-time position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, with a variable schedule that may include some evenings and weekends.

Job Description

• Perform independently a full range of assignments using the methods and techniques required to complete the processes of services to families.
• Maintain considerable contact with agency staff, clients, DHHS staff, court staff, referral sources, etc.
• Work directly with children, biological families, foster families, adoptive families, and other relevant individuals.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, COA regulations, federal and state requirements, and educational/certification/registry requirements.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate training hours as required.
• Utilize agency form letters, documents, informational materials, and other agency resources to facilitate organizational service.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records and information.
• Provide recruitment and retention support to foster families as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention services, including being available on-call as needed.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect as required by state child protection statutes.
• Participate in phone calls, home visits, court hearings, and other appointments/meetings pertaining to clients as needed.
• Provide support, training, and education regarding foster care policy and procedure as required.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals/families as needed and provide/secure appropriate services to address these needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor case plans and services being rendered to clients.
• Prepare and maintain clear and concise reports and documents according to agency/state licensing policies and procedures.
• Attend all court hearings as required and provide accurate testimony and recommendations regarding case progress and services rendered.
• Provide transportation assistance to clients as appropriate.
• Complete investigations in accordance with state or agency regulations as required.
• Perform all other tasks as needed and/or assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of agency policy, procedures, and overall operations preferred.
• Knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws and policies including DHHS policy, BCAL ISEP, the Child Protection Law, and all relevant court requirements preferred.
• Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, conduct correspondence, communicate verbally with a range of clients and professionals, and maintain favorable public relations.
• Knowledge of social work theory methods, principles, practices, techniques, and language for casework, group work, and community organization.
• High level of communication skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to navigate computer systems comfortably.
• Ability to work independently.
• Be of good moral character and demonstrate emotional stability and professionalism.
• Develop and maintain the ability, knowledge, experience, training, and skills to perform duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Must not show any evidence or indication of behavior that would constitute immediate grounds for dismissal including convictions involving child abuse or neglect or unethical conduct impeding the best interests of children.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License and ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability if applicable.
• Must be able to meet agency requirements for criminal background and central registry checks.

Minimum Educational/Licensure Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, family ecology, consumer/community services, family studies, family and/or child development, guidance/school counseling, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, law enforcement, forensic psychology, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed or education of the gifted. Successfully complete all initial and ongoing training requirements.

Minimum Experience Requirements

One year experience as a social service worker and completion of CWTI in foster care or adoption preferred.

Compensation Details

Salary: $41,600 - $45,760