Child Placement Worker – Independent Living Program

Programs

Independent Living Program

Child Placement Worker

$60,000 – $70,000 annually

Full Time W-2

Baltimore, MD area

Child Placement Supervisor

Under general supervision of the Child Placement Supervisor, the Child Placement Worker of the Lead4

Life Independent Living Program (ILP) for youth is responsible for providing daily support and assistance to residents in the Independent Living Program. This role involves helping youth develop independent living skills, ensuring their safety and well‑being, and fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.

• Resident Support:
  Provide direct care and assistance to residents, helping them with daily activities and routines. Representation and a liaison of the participants in the ILP with the community, with family members, courts, and referring agency.
• Skill Development:
  Assist residents in developing independent living skills, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and personal care.
• Supervision:
  Monitor residents’ activities to ensure their safety and adherence to program rules and guidelines. Evaluate information on the placement, assessment of needs, progress, barriers, additional resources needed for success in the ILP, and creating a discharge plan as a live document. As needed, conduct adoption and foster home studies.
• Crisis Intervention:
  Respond to and manage crises, providing support and de‑escalation as needed.
• Case Management:
  Provide client‑centered case management services to the identified participant and their family while in the L4L ILP. Caseloads will be assigned and manageable for each child placement worker to ensure required contacts with the birth family, children in care, foster family, adoptive family, and involved professionals is completed to required levels of duties.
• Record Keeping:
  Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of residents’ progress, activities, and any incidents.
• Communication:
  Maintain open and effective communication with residents, staff, families, and community partners. Provide appropriate information to community agencies, referring agencies, caregivers, family and the community as needed.
• Community Engagement:
  Representation in the community for the ILP and have relationships with key stakeholders with referring agencies, local schools, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, courts, Maryland Department of Social Services, and other community partners.
• Program Participation:
  Facilitate and participate in program activities and group sessions.
• Advocacy:
  Advocate for the needs and rights of residents, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and opportunities.

• Mobility:
  The role often requires moving around the facility to supervise staff and interact with residents. This can involve walking, standing, and occasionally lifting or moving light objects.
• Office Work:
  Significant time is spent on administrative tasks, which involve sitting at a desk, using a computer, and handling paperwork.
• Communication:
  Frequent communication with staff, residents, families, and external agencies, which can involve talking on the phone, attending meetings, and giving presentations.
• Crisis Management:
  In emergency situations, the administrator may need to respond quickly and efficiently, which can involve physical and mental agility.
• Travel:
  Depending on the program, there may be occasional travel to attend meetings, training sessions, or conferences.
• These demands require a combination of physical stamina, mental resilience, and strong organizational skills to effectively manage the program and ensure the well‑being of the youth.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.
• Be State licensed as a graduate social worker or certified social worker.
• Be State licensed as a social work associate and supervised by a State licensed graduate or certified social worker.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of experience in a role within a youth services or residential program.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Knowledge of youth development.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This is a Non–Exempt Position Under The Fair Labor Standards Act. Lead4

Life, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required as other functions may be assigned.