Family Services Worker

About Us

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

About the Role

The Family Services Worker (FSW) provides trauma-informed, strengths-based case management and direct services to foster care or adoptive children, parents, and their families. This includes individual counseling, prevention, administration, and advocacy on behalf of the child, parents, and/or families with social services, the court, police, school, and other medical and mental health providers. Services are delivered in accordance with Agency and licensing standards, as well as federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, using a trauma-informed care approach and evidence-based or promising practices that support child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular home visits and ongoing assessments to evaluate child safety, well-being, and placement stability, ensuring foster care children and homes remain viable and meet their specific needs.
• Develop and implement a case plan to establish individualized goals focusing on healing and permanency, using appropriate resources to maintain placement, minimize risk, and ensure child safety.
• Ensure children's voices and needs are prioritized in case planning while advocating for necessary services in collaboration with their service planning team to provide comprehensive care.
• Provide emergency and on-call services when needed.
• Provide supportive services and/or resources for foster care children with emotional, social, behavioral, or mental health needs.
• Assess child safety and take necessary steps to protect the child in accordance with Agency standards and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Provide stabilization services (crisis intervention) for foster children, parents, and families in a timely manner.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including arranging temporary placement in another foster care home, group home, or treatment facility.
• Follow a formal process for case reviews and transfers between agencies and referral sources to appropriately meet the needs of the child, parent, and/or family.
• Obtain needed information and complete regular reports regarding foster care children’s progress.
• Work closely with management, staff, service providers, and community systems (education, medical, behavioral health, etc.) to ensure foster care children, parents, and families receive ongoing services.
• Accurately document all relevant information related to the child, parents, and/or families in accordance with Agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong relationships with community partners to expand resources for children and families, including participation in team meetings, case staffings, and court proceedings.
• Provide foster families with education on relevant child well-being topics, including agency-generated trainings and PRN training needs.
• Assist with child placement and post-placement services, including identifying and contacting appropriate foster parents and coordinating arrangements between agencies and foster homes.
• Provide an aftercare plan to youth exiting placement.
• Conduct time-specific follow-up meetings, including referrals for new or additional services.
• Develop and maintain positive, strong working relationships with Foster Care and Adoption teams, foster care parents, and families while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.
• Offer emotional support, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution/mediation between foster children, caregivers, service planning team members, and outside stakeholders.
• Work as a team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients, reflecting positively on the Agency.
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parents/guardians, staff, and the community.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that aligns with Upbring's Mission and Values.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Valid TX driver’s license and auto insurance coverage.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Knowledge of psychological theory, methods, and ethics.
• Ability to establish rapport, trust, and ethical boundaries with the service population.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to properly and accurately document case notes.
• Ability to apply sound judgment when making decisions.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and prioritize competing tasks.
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to apply compassion and empathy while dealing with stressful and difficult situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, or LPC licensure.
• 1-year relevant experience in foster care, child welfare, or adoption.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) based on service area and service population.

Travel

This position may require local travel up to 5%.

Benefits

• Competitive PTO and paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted gym memberships.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and using a computer for long periods of time.
• Constant exposure to children.
• Frequent standing and walking.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with or without aid.
• Ability to read, reach with arms and hands, and use essential equipment such as computers, copiers, fax machines, telephones, and automobiles (if applicable).
• Specific vision requirements may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.