Family Preservation Specialist Level 2-FT (69782)

About the Role

A community-based provider who conducts social services in the home to families referred through the contract with Oklahoma Human Services (OHS). Family Preservation Specialists foster connections between the child and caregiver, and help navigate relationships between the caregivers, state agencies, and other public and private agencies to maintain the placement and permanency for the child. The goal of the services is to keep children in their own home or to reunify families after an out-of-home placement has occurred.

Responsibilities

• Work independently, coordinating complex cases using evidence-based interventions including motivational interviewing, SafeCare curriculum, NorthCare’s HOPE wellness toolkit, and case management strategies.
• Demonstrate expertise in collaborative, multi-disciplinary care and provide mentorship to colleagues regarding program expectations and quality service delivery.
• Support teams and colleagues with intakes and case coverage as needed.
• Promote an organizational culture that values excellent services, professionalism, and warm engagement within Family Preservation Services, NorthCare, and the community.
• Conduct services sensitive to each family’s culture, ethnic origin, race, language, gender, age, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and mental/physical challenges.
• Provide services in a natural environment convenient to the family, ensuring families are seen at least once per week for no less than an hour. Increase service intensity when safety risks or needs are identified.
• Teach communication and negotiation skills to families.
• Provide advocacy on behalf of families with schools and other community agencies, assisting in the pursuit of needed resources or services.
• Arrange follow-up services needed after the end of services and coordinate professionally with other service providers.
• Complete intake documentation within 24 hours, progress notes within 72 hours, planned discharges within 24 hours of obtaining signatures, and unplanned discharges within 72 hours of directive.
• Conduct multi-level family assessments, develop intervention plans, and provide an array of needed services.
• Provide parent-child visitation and family reunification services to families whose children are in state custody.
• Teach and model skills from the SafeCare Models in Health, Safety, and Planned Activity Training to facilitate parents’ development of special skills in parenting, home management, behavior management, and child development.
• Perform the required number of home visits under the observation of the SafeCare Coach/Trainer to maintain National SafeCare Home Visitor certification.
• Clock in and out of PayCom daily and work a flexible 40-hour full-time schedule, including evenings and weekends to accommodate families’ needs.
• Submit a weekly schedule via Outlook calendar, including consumer details and notify leadership of any schedule changes.
• Attend all required agency and program trainings, DHS staff meetings, and program staff meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and abide by agency policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Program Manager, Director, or executive management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field and one year of experience in a related practice setting.
• Proficiency in MS Word and intermediate general computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to move about facilities freely and work in various community settings, including clients’ homes.
• Access to reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile liability insurance including uninsured motorist coverage.
• Must have “business purposes” added to auto insurance and maintain a cell phone, responding to work-related calls within 60 minutes and emails daily.
• Must possess or obtain CPR, First Aid, and Therapeutic Options certifications within 30 days of employment.
• Must complete all NorthCare training within 30 days of employment and have a TB test within 12 months prior or obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Due to the nature of the contract, candidates and employees must report any current or prior confirmed record of child abuse as an adult for review by the NorthCare Executive Team.
• Adherence to all applicable laws, professional standards, and ethical codes.

Benefits

• Eligible for a phone and hotspot stipend.
• Considered essential workers and may be expected to work holidays, weekends, or during closures if required by the program.