Foster Care Specialist

About the role

The Foster Care Specialist position is responsible for working within the child welfare arena to find permanency for children residing in foster care. This person will work with children, caregivers, birth parents, the Courts, and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to collaborate and create a permanency goal most appropriate for each child.

Responsibilities

• Serves a caseload of foster children, their birth families, and their licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan
• Provides or refers the children and their birth families to services based on a structured assessment of the children and their birth family
• Maintains regular contacts
• Coordinates services with staff and families
• Participates in on-call placements and emergency services
• Drives and transports as needed

Requirements

• Knowledge of the Michigan courts or possesses the ability to successfully interact with court personnel and appointed attorneys
• Ability to utilize the DHHS computer systems and other computer systems required by contract
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work with difficult individuals
• Strong engagement skills, coping skills and patience for difficult situations
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in social Work, sociology, psychology or a human service related area as specified by MSA and BCAL rules
• A minimum of three years of related experience in the field of Human Service, Child Welfare experience preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of the Michigan courts or ability to interact with court personnel and attorneys
• Computer system knowledge and proficiency
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures
• Independence and good judgment

Pay

Salary Range $45,000.00-$53,800.00

Schedule

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified

Application Instructions

Not specified

Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach. CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment. Serves a caseload of foster children, their birth families, and their licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope. Our Vision Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose. Our Values Sanctity of All Life Compassion Integrity Respect Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer

Catholic Charities West Michigan is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.