Family Finding and Engagement Specialist
11 days ago
Fort Worth
Job DescriptionDescription: Position Function: The role of the Family Finding and Engagement Specialist (FFES) is also to assist in the facilitation of and conduct agency meetings, including but not limited to Initial Coordination Meetings (ICM), Family Group Conferences and any other type of family/team meeting. Work involves planning, developing, and conducting searches for missing parents or relatives. This role must ensure documentation is thorough and concise. This position interacts routinely with clients, family members, CASA and attorneys. Working Conditions: Position includes interaction with parents, guardians, relatives, attorneys, CASA and other professional stakeholders. Most meetings and work activities will be completed virtually but must have the ability to attend and conduct in person work activities. Exposure to Confidential Information: The FFES will have access to confidential records including youth files, foster care and adoption records, and foster parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records. Key Expectations/Responsibilities: · Maintain high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics · A commitment to empowering others to solve their problems · Value a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person · A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change · The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence · The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers and professionals · The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals · Supports, evaluates and safeguards cultural respect and inclusiveness · Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy Planning: · Assesses and determines next steps following staffing's · Provides assistance and collaboration in development of family planning · Communicates clearly and checks for understanding regarding referral objectives Implementation: · Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. · Conducts initial and on-going searches for absent parents, maternal and paternal relatives as required · Maintains a close working relationship with public and private agencies involved in providing services/support · Provides information to the case management team and internal departments on all matters related to the child, as required. · Conducts in person and virtual meetings as needed · Completes documentation and forwards reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content · Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position Training and Supervision: · Attend continuing education necessary to expand knowledge and maintain certifications or licenses · Communicate regularly with supervisor and seek supervision when appropriate. · Participate in in-service training · Participates in applicable agency trainings as well as seminars/conferences in the community at large Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Experience: 2 years of experience in child and family services field preferred. Functional: Knowledge of program planning and implementation. Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and regulations. Knowledge of laws and regulations to child care, abuse, and neglect. Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skills in effective verbal and written communication. Ability to articulate an understanding of the intersection between race and poverty and the different outcomes and conditions that exist among specific groups as compared to other groups due to unequal treatment of services. Ability to negotiate available services. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to travel locally and within the region. The ability to investigate and research through facts thoroughly. The ability to critically think through situations. The ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, collaborating agencies, community professionals, and OCOK/ACH Child and Family Services staff. Must be willing to increase knowledge in the application of all related standards that govern residential services. Must demonstrate good organization skills as well as the ability to develop systems that support compliance. Must demonstrate an ability to continue learning through supervision, continuing education and experience, and work cooperatively using a team approach. Must be willing to put in practice Trauma-Informed Care principals.
