Family Service Counselor - FAST / Dependency

Family Service Counselor

The Family Service Counselor is responsible for the monitoring children, parents and caregivers who are involved with the dependency system, including scheduled visits with all parties, written documentation of all contacts, court work and coordination of community service.

Requirements:

• Child Welfare experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor's Degree REQUIRED from an accredited university with a major in Social Services field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in either the dependency system or FAST In-Home Services with children and families, court work and coordination of community service.
• Driver's License MUST be in good standing.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm - with both evening and occasional weekend hours guaranteed.

Job responsibilities include:

• Actively participates in family case plan and provides case management services.
• Observes and reports client change in status to Program Supervisor.
• Assists in permanency placement.
• Recognizes and reports signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrates appropriate responsibility in collecting and reporting client data in accordance with the policy and procedures.
• Provide case management/ legal guardianship to dependent children.
• Observe and document home conditions and child's behavior/feelings about the living situation.
• Provide conflict resolution and crisis intervention services to families.
• Coordinate available community services, to include making referrals.
• Provide education for case participants about available services, parenting practices and dependency system.
• Complete documentation of all case activities in case file and FSFN.
• Assist parents with case plan tasks (including setting up appointments, providing transportation, etc.).
• Staff cases with supervisor, complete and follow-up tasks. Provide written court reports within 10 days before hearing dates.
• Submit Permanency Referrals and staff cases for permanency in required timeframes.
• Attend court proceedings relating to case, including providing accurate court testimony.
• Update case plans and other court documents in required timeframes.
• Provide post placement supervision within mandated time-frames for six months after children are returned home, or until case is closed by the courts.
• Coordinates and prepares adoption subsidy packets.(Adoption FSC only)
• Ensure Data integrity of program.
• Consistently maintains client confidentiality.
• Models appropriate and professional behavior (i.e. dress, habits, personality, tact, etc.).
• Complete other duties as assigned.
• Update data (photos, BC, fingerprints) as required in FSFN.
• Complete required paperwork (IL Assessments, staffing, exit interviews and runaway assessments within required time-frames.
• Interact professionally with Family members, Caregivers and Community partners.
• Considers and respects the language and cultural/religious beliefs of the client
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the client/parent and guardian needs.
• Maintains a professional attitude with others.
• Actively supports agency philosophy and goals.
• Executes sound judgment by effectively analyzing problems, determining appropriate actions and utilizing timely and logical decision making skills.
• Actively seeks self-improvement opportunities (continuing education and professional development).
• Demonstrates ability to function independently to include follow through with assigned tasks.
• Utilizes interpersonal skills necessary for focusing, active involvement and participation.
• Reports to work on time as scheduled ensures break and meal times are kept to acceptable limits.
• Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness.
• Displays adaptability to changes in the work duties or settings, including being open to new ideas and approaches to current tasks.
• Staff member demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the client and implements awareness and understanding in the client's treatment.

Full Medical Benefits, 401K and PTO