Differential Response Child Welfare Worker - Carson, Douglas, Storey Counties

Position Description

Summary:

Under general direction of Ron Wood Family Resource Center Executive Director, the Family Advocate I/II – Differential Response worker provides services to increase parent involvement in prevention of child abuse and neglect. RWFRC supports staff in their work with children and families; develops, coordinates and implements various programs and activities related to the needs of the children and families served by the program; supports goals and objectives; and conducts activities related to family assessments, DCFS - Child Protective Service referrals, evaluation and the data collection process. Performs related work as required.

Family Advocates working Differential Response

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Plans, prioritizes, and provides services including family needs assessments, safety assessments, case investigations, outreach, referrals, follow-ups, and other related case management services. Maintains records and develops reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as required; works with families to identify pertinent issues; conducts family needs and child safety assessments; provides parents with community resource information and referrals; and conducts home/school visits with families.

· Person in this position will be working in the Differential Response Program following the guidelines and procedures developed by the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. Respond to referrals from DHHS Child and Family Services in the following categories: 1) Educational neglect; 2) Environmental neglect; 3) Physical neglect/risk; 4) Medical neglect; 5) Improper or lack of supervision; and 6) Inappropriate discipline with minor physical injury. This position will also work in concert with the State of Nevada, Department of Child and Family Services to offer preventative services to open Child Protective Services cases under investigation. The position will be required to complete the required safety assessment, North Carolina Family Assessment – G, and any other assessments as required for the Differential Response Program. Develop case plans with families and provide services that enable families to insure the safety of their child and enhance the family’s protective factors and family functioning. Responsible for preparing timely case notes and documenting family progress or lack of progress.

· Act as a liaison with social services, schools, family resource centers, community health and human service agencies to support and link families with children in danger of abuse to community-based services for early intervention and prevention services. Responsible for child abuse and neglect reporting as a mandated reporter.

Employment Standards:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

1. Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree* from an accredited college or university in social work, family studies, sociology, behavioral sciences, or related field is preferred.

*Applicants that lack a bachelor's or master’s degree will be considered as Family Advocate I. Applicants with a degree will be considered as Family Advocate II.

2. Experience: One (1) year professional experience working with foster youth or a closely related field.

3. Knowledge: Must have knowledge in regarding children and their behavior at various stages in life; the problems facing children, youth, and families in contemporary environments; case management, including community resource coordination, and crisis management experience; appropriate techniques for working with children, youth and families; and basic techniques for coordinating and facilitating programs and services/activities.

Experience working with children in the foster care system is preferred.

4. Skills: Working with the youth, families and the public in a professional manner; work closely with others and speaking in front of small groups; being a self-starter; working with and engaging a diverse and challenging population with differing needs; ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing; and performing mathematical/statistical analysis is preferred. Computer literacy required.

Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus but not required.

5. Licenses/Certificates: Professional Licensed Social Worker license is preferred, but not required.

Requirements:

• Be able to work some evenings and weekends.
• Have reliable transportation to client's homes, schools, meetings, etc.
• Must be willing to transport foster youth to appointments.
• Must be willing to submit to a background investigation and State of Nevada Central Registry, which includes fingerprinting.
• Possession of a valid State of Nevada driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be willing to adhere to ethical standards of conduct and issues regarding confidentiality as set forth in the agencies policies.

Details:

Hours: This job is a 40-hour a week position that requires flexibility in working hours to best meet the needs of the clients.

Wages & Benefits:

Family Advocate I - $18.00 per hour 500.00 per month health benefit.

Family Advocate II - $22.00 per hour 500.00 per month health benefit.

This position is dependent upon grant funding. Employer provides a monthly health stipend as medical benefits. Paid personal and sick leave is as part of the benefit package. Federal holidays are paid holidays (Nevada Day Observed is paid in lieu of Columbus Day)

Probationary Period: This position is a probationary position lasting one-year from date of employment per RWFRC Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination because of race, color, sex, creed, age, national origin or disability. We are an equal opportunity employer.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22