KINSHIP SPECIALIST - SOUTH/WEST

PRIMARY FUNCTION/RESPONSIBILTY

The position assists staff in identifying kinship placements for children in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves referring families to supportive services, which could include training, case management, family counseling, support groups, and information and referral services. The position coordinates these services and assists families in obtaining financial assistance offered by DFPS to help stabilize placements. The position works to identify community activities, services and resources designed to preserve, strengthen, and reunify families. The position assures that kinship caregivers are provided the opportunity to participate in the development of child plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. The position attends related CPS meetings, case staffing’s, and court hearings. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regional and state office staff, and the community at large.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Travel is required for this position, up to 95% of the work week.
• Establishes a regional network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of community services and resources available to kinship caregivers, coordinates these services and resources for kinship caregivers to facilitate and maintain kinship placements for children in the conservatorship of DFPS.
• Develops and provides training to CPS staff and families on placement issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis.
• Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing families to meet the needs of children that have been abused and neglected, including individual case staffing’s with DFPS staff and attending Permanency Planning Team meetings and court hearings as required.
• Provides input to CPS staff on best practice philosophy in the area of kinship care.
• Identifies and collects necessary evaluative data and statistical information to measure outcomes concerning safety, permanency, and well-being for the children involved.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• To review case files where appropriate, to assist in identifying potential kin for child/children who would potentially benefit from a Kinship Services Placement;
• Conduct referrals and/or conduct needed home assessments to determine safety and best interests
• To follow established regulations and standards in the completion of assigned Kinship Services assessments, and document the information gathered in a clear, concise manner according to Agency requirements;
• Conduct monthly visits for families to determine ongoing needs, concerns and support the family/youth towards permanency
• To provide ongoing service to an assigned caseload of Kinship Services providers and children residing in Kinship Services arrangements. Ongoing service includes maintenance of contact, written evaluations and progress notes, case notes, and plans for access to ongoing services and supports in accordance with Agency expectations and Ministry standards, in order to ensure that a high quality of Kinship Service is maintained;
• Provides consultation and teaching of child development and child management techniques to the kinship family;
• Participates in child welfare court, criminal and youth courts to give evidence and support the client;
• Support kinship or relative caregivers in their journey to become licensed foster parents
• Submits required forms to ensure financial and tangible support is provided to kinship families (eg: daycare, kinship payments, etc.
• Participates in on-call schedule
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Child Welfare or related field plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience
• Experience can be substituted for Education
• 3 years of experience in child welfare

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Child Welfare or related field OR Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Child Welfare or related field.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License, good driving record, ability to provide own transportation and proof of current automobile insurance.
• Trainings/Licensure/Certifications as required by SJRC Texas/Belong.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

• Body mobility to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, walk and walk briskly in order to interact with and monitor children.
• Stamina to work long days and drive long distances.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 60 pounds.
• Must have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Must have the ability to give and receive verbal and written instructions (with or without hearing aids).
• Must have the ability to read fine print, have sustained vision, and peripheral vision (with or without glasses).
• Environment requires dexterity to remain calm and adapt to fast paced and emotional environments consisting of children with moderate to severe emotional and psychological needs.
• Home-like settings with varying moderate to high degrees of background noise.
• Light and ventilation are found in a typical home setting.
• Campuses are smoke-free, except on permitted campuses in designated areas.
• Possible injury when lifting or moving if employee fails to use proper body mechanics, or if proper techniques are not used.

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP/REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervised by: Kinship Supervisor

Supervises: N/A