Families First Specialist - Social Worker/Human ServicesHybrid/Flexible Schedule Options!SUMMARYProvides direct in-home services to families substantiated for child abuse and neglect, who have been referred by Children's Protective Services workers and Foster Care workers from the Department of Human Services. Services are directed at keeping the family intact and preventing foster care placement of children.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESResponsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time according to the Agency's needs or contract. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those described below:
Provides intensive in-home services for 2 client families at a time, providing 4-6 weeks of service, averaging 10 hours of face-to-face service per family per week.
Writes Service Plans, Progress Reports, and a Termination Report for every 14 days of service provision.
Writes time sheets and case notes and complete other documentation on all cases.
Expends Specific Assistance monies by use of an agency credit card and checkbook.
Attends Families First of Michigan trainings and other agency trainings as required.
Provides 24/7 emergency availability for the 2 client families on this specialist's own caseload.
May occasionally works some non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends).
Transports clients as needed.
Teaches families parenting skills, coping skills, and skills for living.
Collaborates with DHS referring workers and foster care workers.
Functions as part of a Families First team in weekly meetings and other activities.
This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support 1) culturally competent, recovery-based practices; 2) person-centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her own life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and 3) a trauma informed culture to aid individuals in their recovery process.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NoneQUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must have excellent clinical and engagement skills
Strong communication skills and ability to understand, motivate and/or influence people and an awareness of the importance of cultural difference within service population.
Must present a professional appearance and a friendly manner
Must be dependable and punctual
Be courteous and personable when dealing with the public
Be self-directed, willing to take initiative, organized and detail-oriented
Respect and maintain confidentiality of those served by Family & Children Services
Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
Must be able to transport clients in employee-provided vehicle; must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance and driving record in alignment with agency policies.
Must be able to visually assess the safety of the environment and the physical well-being of children in the home.
Must be able to climb stairs and enter home environments that may be cluttered or present other physical obstacles.
Must be able to enter homes where there may be exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and other typical household conditions including potential exposure to pests such as lice, bedbugs, and roaches.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCERequired:
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related Human Service field from an accredited institution.
Preferred:
Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling from an accredited institution.
Lived experience with behavioral health issues.
Experience working with families is highly preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLSExcellent verbal and writing skills are required, along with the ability to communicate verbally with clients from many different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to travel to all areas within the service area. Must be able to transport clients in own vehicle; this includes adult clients and their children. Ability to drive own vehicle and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license and vehicle insurance that meets agency requirements is required for this role. Ability to drive during the day or evening, and in varied weather conditions, is required for this role. Home visits are often made during evening hours as required to meet family need. A small percentage of home visits may need to be made on weekends.The employee must be able to climb stairs and enter home environments that may be cluttered or present other physical obstacles. The employee must be able to visually assess the safety of the environment and the physical well-being of children in the home. There may be exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and other typical household conditions. The noise level is usually moderate.Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly), Full TimeCompensation: $18.00 an hourLocation: KalamazooHybrid/Flexible Schedule Options: After training/shadowing, there is an opportunity to have a hybrid/flexible schedule with work in the office, in the community, and at home.Mileage for driving for this position is reimbursed.Benefits: Benefits Package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous Paid Time Off, 9 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday, life insurance, 401K with agency match, short- & long-term disability insurance, free Employee Assistance Program, etc.Family & Children Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Job Posted by ApplicantPro