Family Resource Worker, Taunton, MA

Family Resource Workers apply a child-centered, family-focused, trauma-informed approach to working with foster parents and children. They do this by providing building and maintaining strong relationship with Foster Parents and youth, advocacy, guidance, and community connections. Family Resource Workers carry caseloads of foster parents based on the needs of the program. Individuals and families served include children, foster families, birth families, kinship caregivers. They are responsible for ensuring child safety and well-being, as well as quality foster care in accordance with out-of-home placement practices, DCF policies and EEC regulations.

Family Resource Workers are responsible for the recruitment, assessment, evaluation, training and support for prospective and existing foster parents. This position is responsible for ensuring that state licensing and out of home care practices and policies are implemented in a manner that promotes child safety and well-being, adheres to state law, administrative rules, and DCF Policies, and that is consistent across the state. The incumbent in this position must have specialized knowledge of principles and practices of Child Welfare, Social Work, Case Management, and Child Development.

HIRING BONUS: $1,500

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain case files and documentation for children, foster families and biological families in accordance with state regulations and agency policies.
• Audits foster parents’ files monthly to ensure compliance with all regulatory, contractual, corporate, and legal requirements.
• Visit with foster parents monthly to provide support, one-on-one education and oversight within the home and as needed based on policy and/or clinical needs.
• Connects with youth in the home and their social worker to ensure that they are receiving optimal care and support
• In conjunction with the DCF, provide support and consultation to the foster parents to enhance the child’s relationship with family members. Encourage regular contact and visitation between children and family members as indicated in the case plan. Seek to involve family members in plans and decisions regarding the child.
• Collaborate with DCF, community organizations and service providers as appropriate.
• Recruit, screen, study, approve and monitor foster homes to ensure safe, quality care and compliance with policies.
• Conducts foster parent home study evaluations inclusive of training support plans. Completes monthly report making recommendations to management for follow-up, licensing or de-certification of a foster home.
• Participate in the coordination and implementation of a training schedule for youths, foster parents, and caregivers.
• Assist with recruitment events, appreciation celebrations, group activities, and any other HopeWell events.
• Participate in after hours on-call system to include routine 48-hour visits, emergency response, hospital coverage, and unexpected needs that arise.
• Conduct children’s and foster parents’ file reviews to monitor compliance with EEC/DCF HopeWell regulations.
• Maintain and submit required reporting logs as requested by Central Office.
• Facilitate support group and training for foster parents as needed. Maintains appropriate records in compliance with funding source requirements.
• Supports foster parent retention programs. Records and maintains the statistics necessary to measure the effectiveness of various foster parent retention efforts.
• In conjunction with FRSM, coordinates foster parent appreciation efforts and continuing education meetings to ensure compliance with required education hours.
• In conjunction with FRSM, responsible for the coordination of training for all currently certified foster parents, including MAPP training and on-going training.
• Compiles and distributes monthly listing of local community activities and resources to foster parents inclusive of newsletter.
• Supports training efforts and participates in the training of foster parents on issues and topics specific to short/term emergency placements and transitions.
• Knowledge of best practices in child welfare.
• Can be assigned to work with youth as a Comprehensive Foster Care social worker based on program needs which can include supporting transportation efforts

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in social work or related field required. Master’s Degree preferred
• Social work experience with children and families required.
• A minimum of one-years’ experience preferred providing case management and/or counseling services to children, adolescents, and families
• Eligibility for Massachusetts Social Work License required (Not Applicable in the state of Connecticut)
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of families from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds.
• Reliable and dependable with strong time management skills
• High level accuracy and personal accountability for the quality and impact of work
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
• Ability to be proactive, identify problems and offer solutions
• A high level of professionalism in work and interpersonal interactions with both internal and external contacts, presents to others as organized, informed, and approachable
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Proficient in basic computer skills and Microsoft Office. Ability to navigate and document in clinical computerized patient care records.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• A valid MA State Driver’s License and daily access to an automobile is required
• This role involves predominately home based and community-based work with occasional remote opportunities. During home and community visits there are possible environmental exposures including pets
• Remain current in all HopeWell, DCF, DEEC required trainings
• Clearing of background checks as required by state and federal law