Social Worker Iii-Foster Care

Overview

To perform advanced level professional social work providing services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills.

• Provides professional social services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s), which may include child protective services, adult services, foster and adoption services.
• Manages assigned caseload; maintains accurate and complete case records; accurately records services provided.
• Assesses client needs; prepares, implements and monitors care plans, making changes when necessary.
• Refers clients to other department divisions and outside agencies for services as appropriate; assists clients in accessing needed services.
• Conducts home visits to perform initial assessment, monitor progress and ensure clients are receiving necessary care and/or assistance.
• Provides client transportation as needed.
• Attends staff meetings to discuss and coordinate cases; communicates with other professionals to coordinate client care.
• Conducts case audits.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.
• Gathers information for and prepares various reports as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs intake procedures.
• Processes applications for crisis intervention funding.
• Staffs emergency shelters as necessary.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Assists in the recruitment, training and licensing of foster care providers.
• Conducts home visits to assess home environments and monitor child welfare.
• Accomplishes placement of therapeutic diversion, temporary, emergency and supported family living; coordinates with intake staff the placement of children.
• Develops positive, trusting and age-appropriate relationships with children through visits, telephone calls and private conservation; provides information, assistance and counseling as required.
• Facilitates children’s visits with siblings, parents and significant others according to the service plan.
• Assists and guides parents to regain the ability to parent their children.
• Coordinates child services with school personnel as necessary.
• Provides 24-hour on call support to care providers; provides crisis intervention when required.
• Coordinates community resources for the benefit of children served by the foster care program.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker III.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has considerable knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management.
• Knowledge of caseload management methods.
• Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of clients and to determine appropriate services; is able to monitor cases and the welfare of clients and to take action as needed to protect adults’ / children’s rights and well-being.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and…