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.

Flexible work schedule after an initial training period that includes working in the office and out of the office.

Salary Range: $40,192.00-$42,940.00

$3,750.00 signing bonus- paid out in three increments over an 18-month period with the first increment paid on the first full paycheck following employment start date.

-or-

$7,500.00 signing bonus- paid out in three increments over an 18-month period given you have previous experience in Foster Care and are CWTI trained and certified. First increment paid on the first full paycheck following employment start date.

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

In the spirit of our Catholic tradition, we lead our diverse communities with hope and compassion by offering innovative, collaborative programs. Through our team of highly trained employees, dedicated volunteers and generous community, we deliver the highest quality social services.

Our Vision

Following in the footsteps of Christ, we are the leaders in empowering people to achieve their God given potential by providing help and creating hope.

Our Values

• Compassion
• Collaboration
• Compliance
• Service to All People
• Sanctity of All Life

CCWM is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.