Aftercare Worker

Essential Job Functions:

• Work with families who have achieved safe case closure after receiving formal in home child welfare or child protection services as directed by the Aftercare Plan.
• Work with families whose children and youth have been reunified and then achieved safe case closure as directed by the Aftercare Plan.
• Work with children, youth, and families who have achieved other permanency having particular knowledge of and proficiency around available SWAN services.
• Be familiar with and follow DHS CUA Practice Guidelines as well as any published changes and additions to same.
• Utilize Strengthening Families framework in the performance of duties.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure HIPPA compliance. Ensure that information concerning families is not accessed or disclosed except in the performance of duties.
• Immediately report to supervisor any concerns about the safety of children or youth in the household or placement facility.
• Complete all paperwork and other documentation timely and in accordance with the DHS CUA Practice Guidelines.

• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and bulletins issued by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Children Youth and Families.  Abide by the Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of children, youth, and families and to cover emergencies.

• Must have own reliable vehicle with current registration and insurance. Transport children, youth, and family members as required.

• Must possess a valid PA. [or state of residence] driver’s license and a good driving record [must be able to get and maintain approval to drive from the Archdiocesan Insurance Office].

Other Job Functions:

• Participate in Family Team Conferences when necessary particularly if the purpose of the conference is determining safe case closure.
• Support the CUA CM in preparing aftercare plans.

• Document on forms prescribed by the CUA any activity they have preformed within six business days.
• Prepare for and actively participate, as required, in all meetings and conferences.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the CUA Support Team and DHS and Juvenile Probation staff as indicated. Communicate regularly and respond promptly to messages.
• Actively participate in all required training and complete a minimum of 10 hours annually as specified.
• Prepare for and actively participate in regular supervisory meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by CUA Director or designee.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field including sociology, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or education, with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in one or more of the following:  development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures of therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.
• Knowledge of available SWAN services.
• Two years experience in Child Welfare or a related field.
• Valid, timely Child Abuse, Criminal History, and FBI clearances that meet all regulatory requirements.
• Good oral and written communications skills in English.

• Certification [or ability to obtain within one year of employment] as a Direct Service Worker according to the requirements set out by the Commonwealth and the Office of Children Youth and Families in regulation and bulletin.
• Ability to work effectively in a faith-based organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients, co-workers and visitors.  
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.  Ability to learn and effectively operate other software packages as needed and required.

Work Environment:

• The incumbent in this position:
• Primarily works in the homes and communities of the families on their caseload. 
• Drives own vehicle to and from appointments.
• Works in office as needed to complete paperwork at computer terminal and attend meetings.