Licensing and Case Management Specialist, Foster Care

Licensing and Case Management Specialist, Foster Care

Requisition #: req14518

Location: Lancaster, PA

Hours: Full-time (40-hours/week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul.

As a Foster Care Licensing and Case Management Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for training and licensing committed foster homes. This individual will also coordinate foster care placements, oversee foster parent orientation and training, retention and advocacy, and become involved in community foster parent coalitions. In addition to the licensing responsibilities, this individual will also provide case management services to children in foster care, while ensuring their overall safety. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• License foster homes in accordance with program expectations;
• Provide case management services to children in foster care;
• Provide services that empower clients and adhere to the organization's standards of ethical practice;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction;
• Re-license homes, complete annual evaluations, coordinate transfers, relocations and closures of foster homes;
• Investigate complaints on foster homes and work cooperatively with law enforcement and child protective services, as needed;
• Conduct post-placement follow-up on foster homes;
• Coordinate replacements and work with the assigned case manager and other child placement agencies as necessary;
• Coordinate and facilitate the completion of the treatment plan, and maintain contact with all providers to include attending child and family team meetings;
• Receive placement referrals from other agencies and coordinate placement plans with foster care supervisor when Bethany has a potential resource;
• Coordinate the functions of the respite program and facilitate substitute care, when needed;
• Maintain effective contact with attorneys, therapists, and/or other providers;
• Conduct the orientation pre-service training for foster home requirements;
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going foster parent training programs;
• Meet with foster parents at least monthly to assist with and ensure the appropriate care is given to foster children;
• Address and resolve foster home issues or problems;
• Attend and testify at court hearings, as necessary;
• Maintain current available homes and on-call list;
• Maintain current and accurate client records, case files, record notes, and medical records;
• Participate in foster parent activities and meetings;
• Assist in coordinating special events, such as the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner;
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as a handbook, brochures, and other informational material;
• Attend area coalition meetings;
• Plan and participate in the annual Foster/Adopt conferences;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review ongoing foster home issues to ensure families meet the statement of need;
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of foster families;
• Assist with pre-adoptive home studies, as assigned;
• Participate in on-call system and schedule, as necessary;
• Respond to emergency placement needs during the weekdays;
• Comply with the reporting guidelines established by Bethany Christian Services, Department of Child Services (DCS), and the court, while submitting all required reports in a timely manner;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer foster families for support, as needed;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare, a plus;
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Bachelor's level degree;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the respective state;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects that separation and loss, neglect, physical and sexual abuse has on a child;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others, while providing compassionate customer service;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must be able to exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Adheres to all agency and departmental safety procedures including reporting any unsafe practices, equipment and environment, and takes an active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment or environment through proper notification channels;
• Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver'slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment.