Foster/Kinship Family Worker

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs all duties according to applicable laws, regulations, Agency policy, Employee Handbook, and SWAN Guidelines. 
• Perform all duties as outlined in the Practice Guide and contractual requirements.
• Conduct initial assessments for Emergency Caregivers and temporary approvals.
• Coaches and supports families through the application and approval process.
• Gathers and evaluates required information and documentation.
• Accurately completes and maintains family case files as per PFCS, DHS regulations and SWAN requirements (benchmarks).
• Uses family centered practices to best meet the needs of the families. 
• Continuously evaluates the safety of children and possible risk factors.
• Conducts training for families.
• Completes Resource Family profiles as outlined by SWAN and DHS requirements.
• Ensures family compliance with training requirements. 
• Maintains Resource Family compliance according to ACT 160.
• Conducts Resource Family reevaluations and profile updates.
• Keeps referring county agency personnel well-informed through regular and timely written correspondence, SWAN benchmarks, in-person meetings as required, phone conversations, etc.
• Communicates (both orally and written) clearly and respectfully in positive or negative situations, responds well to questions, and demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Completes all required paperwork in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintains ongoing awareness of resources for families and utilizes as appropriate.
• Provides support to staff or Resource parents when issues related to parenting are identified.
• Obtains mandated training hours on a yearly basis as outlined in DHS regulations.
• Complies with all pertinent PA DHS regulations and PFCS policies and procedures and SWAN guidelines. 
• Accepts responsibility for “on call” and “in-day” duty, as related solely to foster care services, on a rotating basis and provides emergency service as required.
• Is willing and able to drive long distances and travel in a variety of weather situations.
• Is willing to work flexible, extended hours as required by the position. 

RESOURCE FAMILY SPECIALIST Job Description, Page Two

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND SKILLS:

• Use of internet, e-mail, and word processing software.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a field of study related to human services. 
• Child welfare experience, with a preference of work with children and families. 

MINIMUM LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Documentation that there is no existing record on the PA Child Abuse History Clearance Report.
• Documentation that there is no existing record on the PA State Police Criminal Record Check Report.
• Documentation that there is no existing record on the Federal Criminal Record Check Report.
• Must possess valid PA driver’s license.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Interpersonal skills:      Maintain confidentiality, maintain emotional control, willing to adapt to change, willing to work as a team member.
• Teamwork: Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; offer and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Written Communication:  Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully, develop alternative solutions, work well in group problem-solving situations, use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Ethics:  Maintain confidentiality, treat others with respect, uphold organizational values, work with integrity and commitment.
• Organizational Support:  Follow policies and procedures, complete tasks correctly and on time, support goals and values of PFCS, and reflect positive image of PFCS through outside activities.
• Judgment:  Exhibit sound and accurate judgment, include appropriate people in decision-making to ensure timely and informed decisions.
• Planning/Organizing:      Prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, plan for additional resources, set goals and objectives, develop realistic action plans.
• Professionalism:  Approach others in a tactful manner, react appropriately under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position, accept responsibility for own actions, and follow through with commitments.
• Attendance/Punctuality:      Arrive at work consistently and on time, ensure that work responsibilities are covered when absent, and arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability:  Follow instructions, respond to management direction, complete tasks on time, keep commitments, commit to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals, complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative:  Volunteer readily, undertake self-development activities, seek and take advantage of opportunities, and ask for or offer help when needed.