Families First SpecialistRequisition #: req14306 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul. The Families First Specialist is primarily responsible for providing in-home case management services to a small caseload of high-risk families exposed to abuse and neglect. This individual is also responsible for focusing on clients' strengths, monitoring safety, timely report writing and working effectively as a member of the team. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide case management services in the client's home or neutral setting as defined by program expectations and guidelines;
- Ensure the child's safety while in care;
- Respond to phone referrals from defined social services agencies during normal business hours or while on-call as a backup to the Program Supervisor or Manager;
- Initiate in person contact with families within 24 hours of referral;
- Provide the pre-defined amount of hours of in person services to each family weekly;
- Create and submit initial service, progress and termination reports to referring worker in accordance with the program's timebound requirements;
- Conduct termination conference with the referring worker no later than 7 days prior to anticipated closure date;
- Conduct termination interview with each family during final session that summarizes progress and outlines plan for continued development;
- Complete client follow-ups after termination conference via home visits, telephone calls or written communications at routine intervals in accordance with contract guidelines;
- Conduct weekly meetings with the referring worker in accordance with time-bound program requirements to update, plan and discuss recommendations of the case;
- Attend weekly supervision meetings to consult on cases, to review case plan and direction and to evaluate client participation and progress;
- Attend and actively participate in weekly team meetings;
- Assist families with funds when needed;
- Willing and able to be available to clients 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to include some evenings, weekends, and holidays, while also arranging the appropriate coverage, when needed;
- Attend internal and external training and apply newly gained knowledge in providing services;
- Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
- Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's level degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college;
- Master's level degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
- Prior work experience in child and family welfare or in-home case management services;
- Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the respective state of the work location
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Demonstrates excellent assessment, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
- Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
- Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
- Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
- Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
- Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
- Demonstrated knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
- Must be able and willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the services needs of the program;
- Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver'slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commitment.
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