Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.
Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).
Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply.
In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:
- This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Competitive salary - Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
- Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
- Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
- Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
- 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
- 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
- Five paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
- Clinical Supervision for licensure
Compensation:
- In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
- This position is eligible for a $2,000/yr bilingual differential, as well as an $1,800 sign-on bonus (paid in two installments on 1st and 3rd months).
Role Summary:
The primary purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive, intensive relative search and engagement services for youth in out-of-home care.
- Utilizes the Family Search and Engagement model and other tools when searching for prospective kin-caregivers and missing kin to solicit their interest and commitment to be a part of the child's life.
- Ensures families are assessed for suitability before placement.
- Manages a caseload of youth considered at higher risk and makes referrals as needed for placement and youth success.
- Conducts, analyzes, and utilizes assessments for case planning and/or placement purposes.
- Travels within the county or to other counties or states as needed to coordinate and supervise visitation between youth and relatives or NREFMs.
- Facilitates family team meetings to support placement planning.
- Maintains engagement with all family members who are committed to being a part of the child's life.
- Supports relationships with Project Partners such as CPS to utilize families we have identified as relatives or fictive kin.
- Coordinates with the child's family team to ensure the child has a smooth transition into the home, including the use of youth/family preparation and pre-placement visitation strategies.
- Revisits search and engagement of kin at all critical points in the child's care, including but not limited to administrative reviews, the permanency planning court hearing, and placement disruptions.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in social work or a related field from an accredited university is required.
- Bilingual (Spanish), required.
- Experience working with children and families is required.
- Experience working with diverse populations is highly preferred.
- Two years of experience in child welfare with an emphasis on working with children in foster care is preferred.
- Experience in the dynamics of kinship families and special needs children is preferred.
- Must meet all required health screening and criminal record clearances and possess a valid California driver's license, insurance, and acceptable DMV record.
Employee Wellness & Safety
Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of the first vaccine dose on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process that includes fingerprinting and a health screening.
Trauma-Informed Care
Wayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.
Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.