The posting
BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Permanency Specialist coordinates and delivery of appropriate services and level of care for youth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
Completes initial and ongoing assessments by gathering information from, children and their families, and collaterals
Responsible for initial contact of children within 4 hours of referral and subsequent placement.
Researches and recommends possible relative placements, giving them priority, whenever viable.
Facilitates and coordinates family meetings.
Develops and implements case plans and permanency goals with children and families, ensuring that goals are reached within established time frames.
Determines and recommends which services are needed for the child and family, including mental health, drug and alcohol services, respite care and supervised or unsupervised visitations/interactions.
Assists families to establish a support network of family, kinship, and community.
Preparing families and/or children for moves, reunification or other appropriate permanency goals.
Provides intervention for children and families in crisis situations.
Ability to work with the court system and follow court protocols including appropriate business attire.
Assesses ongoing case plan goals and recommends reunification, termination of parental rights or other permanency options.
Completes reports for court, participates in court participates in court proceedings, including testifying, and makes sure court orders are followed.
Completes and maintains written documentation in child/family's case record accurately and within established time frames.
Supports kinship and foster families to maintain placements and help children work toward permanency.
If child's permanency goal becomes adoption, complete necessary documents to assist in the adoption process.
Participates in supervisory and team meetings, sharing pertinent information about children/families' progress, critical trends, barriers and solutions to achieving outcomes; and relationships with other agencies/communities.
Participates in monthly supervision.
Works collaboratively and provides guidance to family support workers assigned.
Supervises and transports children and families as needed.
Reports critical incidents to DFPS verbally within 12 hours, written within 24 hours.
Implements Saint Francis policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent Saint Francis Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms.
Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.
Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels.
Ensures clients' rights are protected.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prefer a minimum of 40 hours in-service education per year
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Service Field from an accredited college or university
Must be 21 years of age
Must pass a drug screen, MVR, Criminal History and DFPS History Check, Centralized Background Check Unit Texas Health and Human Services Eligibility and any background checks deemed to be necessary.
FBI Fingerprint Check
Lifting requirements of 30-50 lbs.
Must have valid driver's license, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Mandated reporter
Receives training in trauma informed practice and incorporates knowledge in day to day practice
Ability to work flexible schedule including on-call
Understanding of family centered practice, genograms, ecomaps, and social histories
Understanding of the child welfare and state system
Ability to engage families in working relationships
Understanding of child and adolescent development
Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to travel throughout the State
Consistently exercises discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Handles multiple priorities
Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position
Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure
Manages stress appropriately
Works alone effectively
Works in close proximity to others and/or in a distracting environment
Works with others effectively/teamwork
Ability to work with diverse populations
Understands and practices Universal Precautions
