Foster Care Intake Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

Supervises a team of intake and support specialists who provide the initial comprehensive services to children in foster placement, their foster parents, and birth parents. Key areas of this position include reviewing the initial case information at intake, along with assessment information to determine the appropriate team assignment in coordination with managers, ensuring initial case records are complete to include the creation of an initial service plan, along with startup activities with clients, and engagement with families are met with a CARE approach. Participates in the initiation of Child and Family Team meetings and other case staffing; assists caseworkers to locate supplementary resources for parents and children, including counseling, parenting education, and other needed services. Interviews, selects, and evaluates the performance of supervisees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interviews, selects, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff. Provides assistance, support, and consultation to staff as needed to manage the demands of assigned cases and to respond to crises as they arise.
• Initiates case assignments and provides initial direction to an Intake specialist. This includes oversight of legal and client placement activities and the initiation of services to biological parents.
• Participates in handoff and transitional visits with the investigator, along with a specialist to begin assessment and information gathering of family.
• Works closely with licensing team and case aide supervisor to ensure foster parent licensing support occurs in timeframes according to DCFS policy, along with ensuring visits with the children and family also occur according to DCFS policy.
• Provides supervision to each caseworker at least weekly, documenting the progress of each case and making recommendations as needed for additional services or changes in the case plan.
• Rotates on-call to assist in the provision of emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including referrals, medical emergencies, placement issues, and other after-hours problems.
• Assures casework services are provided in accordance with DCFS contract, court orders, case plans, and the best interest of children served. Monitors compliance prior to case handoff in regard to ICWA and other DCFS mandates, including CFS 458B, petitions, birth certificates, social security cards, etc.
• Guides and directs Intake Specialists to ensure Child and Family Team Meetings are scheduled in accordance with policy. Participates in Child and Family Team meetings, clinical staffing, and other reviews in order to provide expertise and support to HYFS staff.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with DCFS staff, foster parents, the courts, and other childcare providers and organizations. Attends various meetings as required, including but not limited to Foster Care Forums, Child Care Association, and other work groups as suggested by the Child Welfare Manager.
• Works cooperatively with other child welfare management staff to identify and resolve common issues and assure supervision to all staff during vacations and other absences.
• Assures that quarterly performance evaluations are completed on schedule for all assigned staff.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Possess the experience, personal qualities, and practice skills to work effectively with professionals in other organizations and from other disciplines.

• The ability to provide service in a manner that reflects an appreciation for the cultural background, heritage, and identity of clients.

• Excellent oral and written skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• The ability to be a part of a team.

• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

• Must possess and maintain proof of auto insurance

• Pass required tests as required by DCFS and HYFS.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A Master's Degree from an accredited program of social work education; a Master's Degree from an accredited program in another human service field; or a state social work license at the master's degree level.

• Prior professional experience in providing social services specifically to families and children.

• Prefer experience in the professional delivery of foster care and adoption services

CARE & TCI

One of the essential job functions of any position within the agency is to align your performance with our overarching philosophy of CARE. All decisions, actions, communication, and performance should align with the six CARE principles (Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed). Not only must you complete the CARE training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

Every employee must also pass TCI training with a satisfactory written and/or physical testing grade. All employees must remain current on refresher training that is provided monthly at all locations. You will be tested every six months on the physical portion, if applicable to your position. You will be tested annually on the written portion, regardless of your position. If you are not current on your TCI refresher training every six months, you will be required to retake the full course. If you do not pass either test, you may be required to retake the full course. Not only must you complete the TCI training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

Location: 62208