Social Worker - Foster Care Services

Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI is committed to helping children in foster care and the parents who give them a home. Each foster care placement benefits from a shared goal to reunify the child with his/her family; if that goal can't be reached, it may change to placing a child in a permanent family home. If you want to be a part of this vision, considering joining the foster care services team as a Social Worker.

This role Does require ability to receive or a current social work license . This is a Full Time and salaried opportunity. It is primarily, Monday through Friday, 1st shift.

The Social Worker - Foster Care delivers trauma-informed professional level social work care coordination services to children placed in foster care; assesses, treats and evaluates clients; trains, certifies and supports foster parents; and performs other duties as required.

Examples of services Expected may include (These are examples, not all inclusive, and all services may not be provided by an individual employee.):

• Assessment of functional abilities

• Care/Service planning

• Care/Service facilitation

• Licensing of foster homes

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Network, both formally and informally, with professionals in the community.

• Provide on-call crisis services as assigned.

• Follow all LSS policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and disclosure (HIPPA).

• Attend regular staff meetings, individual supervision and program meetings.

• Continuing education as directed by supervisor and/or selected by staff.

• Expected to understand productivity expectations and meet those standards that have been established for the role and the program

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Licensing

• Respond to foster parent inquiries via phone or email.

• Complete a log of such inquiries and submit quarterly to supervisor.

• License/re-license homes according to DCF 56 standards (in consult with supervisor).

• Maintain files/licenses of existing homes (hard and electronic copies).

• Provide pre-service and ongoing training to foster parents.

• Research available training and inform foster parents of opportunities as they become available; quarterly at minimum.

• Conduct annual foster parent evaluations (in consult with supervisor).

• Implement work plans, corrective action, and revocation when necessary (in consult with supervisor).

• Provide support and connect foster parents to needed resources.

• Screen referrals and inform placement decisions (in consult with supervisor)

Case Management/Care Coordination

• Facilitate placement, both planned and emergency (in consult with supervisor)

• Coordinate and facilitate case management services for children/youth in care.

• Provide support and connect foster parents with local resources.

• Coordinate and facilitate team meetings.

• Conduct assessments and complete support, treatment and independent living plans according to the expectations set forth in the Foster Care Services Handbook and/or on the audit checklist.

• Meet with clients weekly, bi-weekly, or as otherwise needed.

• Complete required documentation within required timelines and expectations per LSS, regulation, payers, and practice standards.

• Maintain records of respite services.

• Run background checks and call references, as needed.

• Attend permanency plan reviews and court hearings, as needed.

• Testify at legal proceedings as required by law and/or role.

• Attends and participates in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional seminars.

• Within your scope of practice, provide consultation to peers.

• Work a flexible weekly schedule that includes some evening and/or weekend hours for client appointments. Work directly with Program Supervisor or Manager to set expectations for scheduling clients. Schedule is based on client need.

• Expected to understand productivity expectations and meet those standards that have been established for the role and the program.

• Performs other duties and special projects as required.

PERKS:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

• Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

• Flex Spending for Dependent & Health Care

• Mileage reimbursement

• Paid Time Off

• 10 Paid Holidays

• Ability to Contribute to 403B

• LSS makes annual raises a priority for employees

• Employee Assistance Program

• Service Awards and Recognition

Qualifications

To 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. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This position requires:

A Bachelor's Degree in a social work, psychology or related field and a minimum of 2 years post degree related experience.

OR

A Master's Degree or higher in a social work, psychology, or related field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

• Certification/Licensure is required (CSW, APSW, LCSW or ability to become certified).

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret to complete required documentation by established timeframes.

• Ability to document in a neat, legible, accurate, objective and consistent manner to reflect the services provided.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all levels of LSS management and employees, as well as the individual, family, and circle of support.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

• Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.

• Ability to utilize efficiently an electronic health record(s) for documentation of direct services.

• Must be able to work on computer and utilize computer applications and programs to effectively complete the job.

• Ability to work within a variety of ever-changing software packages and computer systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment 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 may be required to frequently bend/stoop, crouch, climb stairs and kneel. This position will require the ability to access a variety of locations in the community.

The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis that may include verbal aggression.

The incumbent of this position works in a community environment (home, office, community, etc.). The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor conditions when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL: Daily travel may be required. Some overnight travel may be required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.