Foster Care Behavioral Specialist

Requisition #: req12804

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Part-time (24-30 Hours/Week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Foster Care Behavioral Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for providing assessments, intervention planning, crisis interventions, and trainings while serving as a member of the treatment team. This individual is mainly responsible for engaging directly with children and families in the treatment foster care program, while serving in a clinical capacity.

This position is expected to function effectively with regular supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state licensing regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain assigned caseload of children, birth parents and foster parents;
• Effectively utilize identified assessment tools to assess the level of necessary behavioral support for all incoming treatment foster youth;
• Complete assessments for referred youth in a timely manner;
• Provide written reports that clearly illustrate the results of assessment tools;
• Develop and implement a child specific behavior contract and provide the appropriate data monitoring tools based on the assessed needs;
• Conduct meetings with the child and foster parent, as appropriate, to address concerns and review youth’s progress;
• Participate in Corrective Action Plans (CAP) with foster parents to assist in parenting difficult behaviors;
• Work closely with the case manager and therapist regarding the child’s progress while in the program, providing supporting documentation regarding visits, etc., as needed;
• Communicates regularly with Foster Care, Foster Care Adoption and Licensing teams as a member of the Child Welfare Team;
• Support reunification when appropriate and assist birth parents in learning necessary skills to successfully parent children with trauma behaviors;
• Attend team meetings and may participate in crisis planning and intervention, in partnership with the assigned case manager for referred youth;
• Develop and teach interventions related to trauma, behaviors, emotions, coping skills, etc.
• May assist in the ongoing training of foster parents;
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of monthly foster parent support group;
• Cultivate and develop resources for children, foster parents and caseworkers specific to the identified needs;
• Provide transportation for clients, as needed;
• Complete all standard annual training;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree;
• At least one (1) year of experience working in a child and family welfare agency;
• Demonstrated ability to complete assessments, implement treatment plans, goals, and behavioral interventions to clients who have experienced trauma;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Must possess the ability to engage, and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Must have an ability to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.