Family Support Worker Sierra Vista 04-16-772

Position Purpose

Contacts and engages clients referred by the Arizona Department of Economic Security's (DES) Department of Child Safety (DCS); assesses the needs of clients who accept services; develops case/service plans; provides case work and needed services; addresses risks of child abuse and/or neglect in client families.  Position may from time to time be stressful and require a high demand of performance.  May perform other duties as assigned.   

Essential Functions

• Engages the family into services, utilizing engagement and retention techniques
• With the Team Leader (and Peer Mentor), participates in a comprehensive assessment of family
• Works with team members and family, creates a service/case plan based on family's need and the risks and safety factors identified by the team and DCS
• Participates with other stakeholders as part of the team, including DCS and other community agencies
• Provides case management services in the family's home as specified on the case/service plan and in the Scope of Work
• Is available to provide services on weekends and evenings; is accessible to families by phone or pager twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week for emergencies
• Participates in case file preparation as needed for each client referred, ensuring all relevant documents are updated and included
• Updates progress reports and service plans a minimum of monthly for Family Support, Intensive, and Moderate cases; and weekly for Reunification and Placement Stabilization cases
• Inputs all progress reports, assessments, service plans, and other relevant documents into CHILDS
• Participates in File Reviews as part of the Continuous Quality Improvement process
• Participates in supervisory meetings with the supervisor, both on an individual basis and as a group; reviews all new cases with a supervisor
• Keeps DCS and agency workers updated on progress and concerns related to the case
• Participates in CFT's, TDM's, Foster Care Review Boards, and other meetings as necessary
• Completes at least fifteen (15) hours of competency based training per year, to include the Arizona mandated reporter law, therapeutic intervention techniques, how to access Title XIX services, and evidence-based or informed practices
• Responsible for accessing community resources and helps families connect with needed resources
• May drive company car or personal vehicle on agency business

Minimum Qualifications

Suitable work experience may be considered as transferable skills in order to meet minimum requirements of the position, and will be considered by the Corporate Director of Human Resources.

• Associate degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related Human Service field or a High School Diploma/GED and five (5) years' related experience
• Must be able to work as part of a diverse group

• Pass pre-employment and annual drug screening

• Must have problem-solving ability
• Ability to relate well to families of varied lifestyles, backgrounds, and ethnicities
• Experience with multi-problem families

• Has or obtains experience in cultural diversity; substance abuse; domestic violence; crisis intervention; effects of child abuse and neglect on child development; sexual abuse; mediation, and other interventions
• Has or obtains knowledge and understanding of Family Systems Theory, Family-Centered Practice, family dynamics, shared parenting, and treatment philosophies of family-based services

• Essential physical requirements include walking, sitting, standing, driving, lifting lightweight office supplies and equipment, talking, hearing, seeing, and writing
• Obtain State of Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Valid Arizona Driver License, proof of insurance, Arizona Motor Vehicle Division 39 month Motor Vehicle Report and reliable, safe transportation

The above statement reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Services or related field
• Additional years of directly related experience in a child welfare setting
• Bilingual English / Spanish, verbal and written