Foster Care Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

Supervises a team of five caseworkers who provide comprehensive services to children in foster placement, their foster parents, and birth parents. The supervisor will interview, select and evaluate the performance of supervisees. Collaborates with Program Manager to assign cases based on workload and monitors service provisions, documenting supervisory review of case progress. Participates in Child and Family Team reviews and other case staffing; assists caseworkers in locating supplementary resources for parents and children, including counseling, parenting education, and other needed services.

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.
• Receives and reviews new cases from the Child Welfare Manager, making the case assignment and providing initial direction to the caseworker.
• 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 cases' progress and assist in setting case milestones to ensure steady progress is made for the permanency of the child.
• Guides and directs caseworkers 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 workgroups 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 the 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.
• 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, or 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
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must possess and maintain proof of automobile insurance

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 grade in written and/or physical testing. All employees must remain current on refresher training that is provided monthly at all locations. You will be tested every 6 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