Permanency Specialist

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