Family Ministry Social Worker

Description

The Family Ministry Social Worker will be responsible for providing professional social work services to families within our church involved in foster care and adoption, as well as those with children who have special needs. This role includes recruiting potential new foster families, caring for families, advocacy, and connecting families with additional community partners and resources to ensure their success. The Social Worker will also be involved in designing and implementing training and support programs for both church families and ministry leaders, including launching a vibrant care community to support those families.

Personal Expectations

• Be committed to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:2) by assembling for instruction in God’s Word and engaging in the personal study of God’s Word. 
• Responsibly use the resources at your disposal to foster the mission and vision of Abundant Life (1 Peter 5:1-4).
• Participate in an Abundant Life group (Acts 2:41-42) as well as the discipleship ministry (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Live in a way that glorifies God and aligns with the staff core values (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).
• Be committed to giving to the needs of the saints (2 Corinthians 8:1-7 & 9:12).
• Become a member of Abundant Life.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Work with interested families to help them become licensed foster parents.
• Develop a mentorship program for children that have aged out of the foster care system.
• Offer coaching, support, and care communities to families navigating the complexities of fostering or adoption.
• Advocate for families within the church and community, connecting them to additional resources, such as legal support, educational resources, and mental health services. 
• Assist in the development of strategies to promote healthy family dynamics and positive relationships within the foster care and adoption system. 
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to foster and adoptive children and parents.
• Collaborate with church staff, social services, and local agencies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards.  
• Other duties as reasonably assigned.

Required Skills

• Leadership and communication skills.
• A highly motivated, task-oriented leader that enjoys working in a collaborative and feedback-driven environment. 
• Communication of the mission, vision, and values of Abundant Life to staff, volunteers, and the church.
• Conflict resolution and care are a vital component of the duties that need to be performed daily. 
• Strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. 
• Experience with crisis intervention and navigating complex family dynamics. 
• A heart for serving families and children within the church community. 

Employment at AL requires a commitment to honoring the Lord in work and life, as well as the character to uphold the AL Staff Core Values of Synergy, Excellency, Integrity, Tenacity, Humility, and Loyalty. The skills, qualifications, and responsibilities listed here are not intended to be all-inclusive of the abilities needed to perform the job. 

Experience (minimum requirement)

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work (BSW or MSW) from an accredited institution. 
• Current state licensure as a social worker in MO & KS. and/or
• At least 5 years of experience in social work, preferably in foster care or adoption. 

*It is the policy of Abundant Life church to provide a workplace free from discrimination. We base all employment decisions on job-related qualifications and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, military status, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law.