Foster Care Specialist

Catholic Charities West Michigan • Full-time • Grand Rapids, Michigan • 1w ago

Position Summary

The Foster Care Specialist position is responsible for working within the child welfare arena to find permanency for children residing in foster care. This person will work with children, caregivers, birth parents, the Courts, and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to collaborate and create a permanency goal most appropriate for each child.

Salary Range: $45,000.00-$53,800.00

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you’ve got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we’ve got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

Serves a caseload of foster children, their birth families, and their licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan
Provides or refers the children and their birth families to services based on a structured assessment of the children and their birth family
Maintains regular contacts
Coordinates services with staff and families
Participates in on-call placements and emergency services
Drives and transports as needed

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the Michigan courts or possesses the ability to successfully interact with court personnel and appointed attorneys
Ability to utilize the DHHS computer systems and other computer systems required by contract
Knowledge and ability of strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work with difficult individuals
Knowledge and ability of strong engagement skills, coping skills and patience for difficult situations
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in social Work, sociology, psychology or a human service related area as specified by MSA and BCAL rules.

Experience:

A minimum of three years of related experience in the field of Human Service, Child Welfare experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

none required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values