CANS Assessor

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The CANS Assessor will perform a variety technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment and administrative activities related to the CANS assessment and Texas Child-Centered Care System (T3C)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Schedules, coordinates, and conducts CANS assessment interviews at convenient times and locations, including the child's home, community, or via telehealth, and arranges interpreter services as needed.

Reviews research on CANS assessment and provides recommendations to improve policies and processes for the Texas Child-Centered Care System, collaborating with 3rd party contractors to ensure effective implementation.

Documents case activity enters assessment information into the eCANS application, and records recommendations in the DFPS IMPACT system and Care Match system at needed.

Communicates CANS results to the placement team, provides guidance to staff, and resolves disputes related to the assessment results and recommendations.

Serves as a liaison and creates job aids and other educational material to ensure staff's understanding on the CAN and placement process.

Completed CANS annual certification requirements through the Praed Foundation.

Prepares and conducts presentations to staff, as requested, related to the CANS assessment and placement process.

Serves as the Subject Matter Expert for CANS assessment and T3C System, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards, interpreting policies.

Provides input on procedural and policy changes for the T3C System and prepares reports to justify recommendations.

Conducts interviews with children, families, and caregivers, integrating information from various sources into the CANS assessment, using a person-centered, empathetic, and empowering approach.

Collaborates with third-party providers and the T3C team to review and implement Continuous Quality Improvement recommendations for the CANS assessment.

Monitors CANS assessment frequency and timelines for children, youth, and young adults.

Provides guidance and technical assistance to staff on CANS assessment, placement policies, and procedures.

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

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in social work or related degree from an accredited college or university.

Two years full time consultative, social service, professional or technical work.

Prefer experience in CPS Program / CBC Case Management, CANS and understanding of person-centered care.

Successful completion of the Texas CANS Child Welfare certification included as part of the position's training and required annually thereafter.

Must be 21 years of age

Must pass a drug screen, MVR, Centralized Background Check Unit Texas HHS Eligibility.

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.

Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

Flexible to changing situations, staff and clients.

Sensitive to the needs of clients.

Able to solve problems but also able and willing to seek assistance when necessary.

Must be a team player willing to show flexibility.

Basic understanding of adolescent development, treatment and defense mechanisms.

Working knowledge of adolescent counseling techniques, both individual and group.

Must understand various diagnoses in the adolescent mental health field and understand recommended treatment for those illnesses.

Ability to listen, analyze and record information.

Establish rapport and impart caring and empathy while remaining objective and professional in relationship.

Will have a basic understanding of different psychotropic medications and possible side effects from those medications.

Independent discretion / decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.

Handles multiple priorities.

Manages emotions and is able to make decisions under pressure.

Manages stress appropriately.

Works alone effectively.

Works effectively in close proximity to others and / or in a distracting environment.

Works effectively with others / teamwork.

Understands and practices Universal Precautions.