Kinship Connections Specialist

Description

Position Function:

To support and serve kinship families by providing and coordinating case management services, support groups, training, in-home therapeutic services, crisis management and transitional services. The Kinship Connections Case Manager will respond to all referrals and coordinate services and admissions for assigned clients. The Case Manager will provide ongoing support groups and trainings, complete assigned family and client assessments, develop plans of service; assist in setting goals and coordinating resources to assist the family with transitions, and stabilize behaviors to prevent disruption. Document all case information in the data system accurately and within timelines established for the program. The job requires travel within service area along with sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Requirements:

Education: A master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is preferred along with a license from a state licensing body in Social Work or psychology or a related human service field.

                                                                                                                   OR

A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is required along with a license from a state licensing body in Social Work or psychology or a related human service field.

Experience: The position requires a graduate degree or two (2) years of cumulative experience with an undergraduate degree which includes working with children and families providing crisis intervention, intake and assessment, and case management. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents and families, good verbal and written communication skills. Possess a working knowledge of basic computer skills.

Functional: Requirements include providing expedient services to clients and families; be present in the home on a regular and consistent basis for clients assigned to in-home services, no less than two times per month, provide ongoing assessment, service planning, resource development, skill training, risk assessment, safety planning, and advocacy Facilitate, and document support groups and trainings as assigned. Facilitate and document a family assessment, Family Plan; case management services, and transition planning for all clients assigned for in-home services. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services for all assigned clients. You will be on call to answer emergencies with families and children assigned to your caseload. Prepare and submit all required documentation, reports, and statistical data in a timely manner. Follow policies and procedures of ACH and represent the agency in a positive and professional manner. Coordinate the collaboration of referral agencies, family members, and other support systems to meet the needs of families and children. 

Coverage: The job will cover kinship homes in Denton, Wise and Cooke Counties with office space in each of the counties. After training is completed, the job will be a combination of office and remote work. 

Working Conditions:

Exposure to children with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression. Exposure to illness and blood. Exposure to families in crisis. A personal, dependable vehicle is required for travel. Must maintain a good driving record.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentiality & follow policies related to personal records & client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Programming:

• Arrange and facilitate support groups and training opportunities for caregivers and children utilizing different days and times to meet needs of clients served. 
• Facilitate and document services provided to clients including support groups, training, family plans, contacts, and case management for all assigned clients and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Complete all paperwork within required time frames
• For clients assigned to in-home services, visit the home at least twice monthly or more often in times of crisis or as necessary
• Visit the schools, attend court proceedings, and attend psychiatrist visits as needed to maintain open communication and be engaged in cases. 
• Provide effective case management and therapeutic interventions including risk assessment and safety planning. 
• Provide skills training for assigned clients and families, when appropriate
• Implement group programming to address the social and emotional needs of clients relating to achievement of individual goals.
• Provide case management services; coordination with TDFPS and OCOK caseworkers, families, community and mainstream support resources.
• Document and assess progress of each assigned client 
• Maintain 40 hours annually of TBRI, and other trainings of high risk or challenging behaviors of children and families as approved (i.e. Emotional disorders, MHMR).

Community Relations 

• Coordinate the collaborative relationships and services to referral agencies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with children, families, CASA, TDFPS, OCOK, Therapist, School, Court, and other community colleagues as needed for case management and referrals.
• Maintain compliance in service delivery and documentation as outlined in agreements, COA standards, and ACH policies and procedures. 
• Represent ACH in a professional and positive manner in all aspects of your position.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date case records.
• Develop and document preliminary, initial family plan, and ongoing plan reviews
• Provide regular case management services and documentation for each assigned client.
• Communication and coordination of needs for each client
• Coordinate goals and service plan with the involved providers
• Participation in scheduled supervision and case staffing.
• Assist in development of program related forms and measurement tools.
• Complete all discharge forms and timely entering of materials into database systems.

Work Behaviors

• Support and uphold the policies and procedures of ACH.
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional interactions.
• Ensure quality services are provided and professional standards maintained.
• Maintain an attitude of youth and family advocacy.
• Work harmoniously with co-workers to generate a productive and constructive environment.
• Ensure work time is utilized fully and effectively to maximize productivity.
• Adapt to changing assignments/priorities as needed to support youth, families, and the agency.

Other Duties Assigned

• Facilitate and attend team staffing meetings
• Attending designated agency or community meetings or training.
• Complete training and certifications as required by licensing standards.
• Assist with other agency program’s activities as assigned.
• Assist with fund raising or other agency functions as needed.
• Other applicable duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Education: A master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is preferred along with a license from a state licensing body in Social Work or psychology or a related human service field.

                                                                                                                   OR

A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field from an accredited college or university is required along with a license from a state licensing body in Social Work or psychology or a related human service field.

Experience: The position requires a graduate degree or two (2) years of cumulative experience with an undergraduate degree which includes working with children and families providing crisis intervention, intake and assessment, and case management. Understanding of crisis intervention and trauma informed care interventions in working with children, adolescents and families, good verbal and written communication skills. Possess a working knowledge of basic computer skills.