Parent Child Assistance Program Specialist

About Kansas Children’s Service League
Stronger families start at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). Founded in 1893, KCSL is a statewide, nonprofit agency that serves thousands of Kansas children and families each year. KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children. Our programs work with children and families in the areas of health, safety and education to succeed and break cycles of neglect, abuse and trauma. We help both children and parents develop skills for success in their families, schools and workplaces. KCSL is also the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and Circle of Parents.

As a team member of Kansas Children's Service League, you’ll enjoy the following benefit offerings and more based on selected cafeteria options and employment class:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance 
• Pet Insurance 
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance 
• FSA / HSA
• Paid Life Insurance
• 401(K) & matching offerings
• Family Friendly Paid Wellness Leave
• Paid Vacation & Wellness Time
• Paid Holidays 
• Employee Wellness Program
• Earned Wage Access
• Telework Options
• Infants at Work Program

For more details on our benefits, please visit our KCSL Career site. 

Expectations for All Employees:

At Kansas Children’s Service League, we protect and promote the well-being of children. In doing so, every employee is responsible for supporting the agency’s mission, vision, and values. This includes actively and regularly demonstrating high-quality customer service, accountability in all aspects of your position, and respecting the differences in our staff, customers, and communities. Expected behaviors and qualities include professionalism and competence, active collaboration, effective communication, initiative and innovation, respect, and goal achievement. Employees are to be able, at any time, to provide basic information about the breadth of customer opportunities available through KCSL and to help customers make connections within the organization. KCSL is an equal opportunity employer.  

JOB SUMMARY

The Parent Child Assistance Program (PCAP) Specialist works in close cooperation regarding referrals from the community on expectant mothers and of newborns who are actively using substances, to determine needed and desired support services. Provides case management services and refers families to treatment and needed community support services to assure that families are connected. This is done through outreach, weekly home visitation case management and advocacy work for needed services. This program is based on the evidence-based model, Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Case Management & Evaluation 
  • Will engage families and establish a trusting relationship that is built on a strengths-based approach, is culturally competent, with a thorough understanding of how substance abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence can impact a child’s ability to thrive. Complete all required assessments on any parents as needed. Based on the assessment and identified needs create a service plan for each mother and her infant and work with community professionals to implement the plan. The plan will address social and health care needs as well as treatment needs for the parents. 
• Communication
  • Establishes positive and trusting relationships through appropriate communication with community partners in child welfare (Judges, DCF Workers, Law Enforcement, District Attorney, Child Care Providers, Juvenile Intake), and other community human service professionals (Psychologists, medical doctors, drug and alcohol counselors). When professional disagreements exist, will use professional judgment to determine what is in the best interest of the child and then advocate appropriately attaining service goals. 
• Community Collaborations 
  • Continually evaluates the availability, accessibility, and eligibility of community services available to assist families with assessed needs; including housing and treatment options. Maintains a working knowledge of these resources and assists family in accessing the services when it is identified on the service plan or will assist in meeting the child/family goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• 4 years’ experience working with at risk children and families 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage high risk mothers and their families
• Ability to conduct interviews covering extremely sensitive and confidential issues

Preferred

• 1 Year experience working with parents with drug and alcohol issues
• Bachelors degree in Social Work or human services related field
• Individuals with life experience dealing with substance use issues or other relevant issues