INTAKE SPECIALIST - HYBRID

The candidate must reside within the following county(s) within Region 8: Bexar, Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Frio, La Salle, Atascosa, Wilson, Karnes, Victoria, De Witt, Lavaca, Calhoun, Jackson, Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Maverick, Zavala and Dimmit County.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/RESPONSIBILTY

Belong Intake Specialist will be an interdisciplinary staff who promotes the well-being of child/youth through placement coordination and coordinates with staff from other SJRC Texas/Belong network providers; leads/participates in staff meetings and trainings. Implement best practices to support effective placement in the most appropriate/least-restrictive environment possible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to Belong mission, vision, and program philosophies by way of work product and professional behavior with both internal and external consumers. Adheres to Belong Policies and Procedures and understands DFPS programs and procedures as well.
• Adheres to all current federal & state laws, including the safeguarding of confidential healthcare information and compliance with Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Review child/youth assessment tools provided and ensure they are updated with pertinent information to correctly evaluate each child/youth referred to SJRC Texas/Belong for placements or services.
• Promotes safety and encourages the least-restrictive and shortest length of out of home placement for child/youth.
• Participates in meetings with collaborating community partners and network providers.
• Attends training related to the responsibilities of the position when necessary.
• Quickly processing, assessing, and assigning incoming DFPS/Belong referrals.
• Performs data entry into IMPACT, CareMatch, and CLASS within DFPS/FCLA guidelines.
• Answers and screens telephone/email inquiries; takes and routes messages to Belong Staff.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contact.
• May be required to attend court hearings and provide testimony regarding placement options, placement processes, and referral coordination as needed.
• Maintains ongoing communication through computer systems, email, and telephone while coordinating referrals, placements, and provider communication.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Welfare or related field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• 2+ years’ experience in child welfare.

Preferred:

• 5 years’ experience in child welfare.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License, good driving record, ability to provide own transportation and proof of current automobile insurance.
• Trainings/Licensure/Certifications as required by SJRC Texas/Belong.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Body mobility to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, walk, and walk briskly to interact with and monitor children when needed.
• Must have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Environment requires dexterity to remain calm and adapt to fast paced and emotional situations.
• Minimum of 40 hours per week but may necessitate additional time to complete assigned work, which would include evenings and weekends.
• Position requires prolonged periods of computer work, including use of email, phone communication, data entry, and virtual systems approximately 95% of the workday.
• Must be able to effectively manage multiple tasks, respond timely to urgent placement needs, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Rotating on-call 24/7 schedule is required.
• Position includes a rotating 10:00am-7:00pm shift schedule based on program.
• Work from home position with occasional in-person meetings with community stakeholders.
• Campuses are smoke-free, except on permitted campuses in designated areas.
• Possible injury when lifting or moving if employee fails to use proper body mechanics, or if proper techniques are not used.

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP/REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervised by: Intake Supervisor

Supervises: N/A