Job: Social Worker - Foster Care

Accountable to Program Manager. Responsible for the maintenance of children in foster placement and for supervision/support of foster parent(s) on caseload. Responsible for assessing foster youths’ needs for treatment and placing foster youth in appropriate foster homes.

Duties:

1.
Adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of SDYS as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality. Participate in their refinement.
2.
Acquire knowledge of the role and responsibility of the SDYS Board of Directors and stay current.
3.
Participate and implement volunteer system as appropriate. Supervise and evaluate volunteers as assigned.
4.
Assist in updating agency policies and procedures. Carry agency big picture and stay current on agency activities.
5.
Participate in decisions regarding matching of referred children to foster families.
6.
Inform Supervisor or Division Director of incidents as required by state regulations and of concerns regarding compliance with CCL regulations and Foster Care policy. Responsible for knowing and following Foster Family Agency protocol for San Diego County.
7.
Supervise foster parent(s) regarding certification regulations.
8.
Provide back-up coverage for other Foster Care Social Workers.
9.
Participate in the following on a regular basis:
a. individual supervision/group supervision, 3-hours per week minimum.
b. matching meetings, weekly and as needed.
c. Retention Team as needed, or as required.
d. SDYS activities whenever possible.
10.
Attend all relevant program and agency meetings.
11.
Arrange pre-placement visits and placements in a timely manner.
12.
Assess child's needs regarding treatment, natural family, emancipation and program services.
13.
Maintain treatment of children in foster homes through writing and implementation of treatment plan objectives with measurable or observable outcome for children and foster parent(s).
14.
Maintain data collection and contract compliance of records as required.
15.
Maintain case documentation and client files in a timely manner including treatment plans, progress notes, quarterly reports and incident reports.
16.
Advise and support foster parents on compliance of CCL regulations. Monitor the foster family homes to ensure that they are in compliance with governing rules & regulations.
17.
Visit each foster home on caseload weekly (minimum).
18.
Advocate for children's best interests through positive professional communication with DSS, Probation, medical, legal, therapeutic, school, etc. representatives.
19.
Twenty-four hour on-call responsibility for crisis management.
20.
Initiate and facilitate the placement process in conjunction with referral source, foster parents, and program staff.
21.
Coordinate arrangements for pre-placement visits and permanent placements.
22.
Maintain records of all referral, intake and placement activities.

Master's degree in Social Work or social-service related field, with 2 years experience in social services. Familiarity with foster care system and/or high-risk youth preferred. Bi-lingual Spanish-English preferred. Must have reliable vehicle, relevant auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willing to drive throughout San Diego County (mileage reimbursement available). Willing to go through clearance process which may include drug testing (Hire is pending the results of appropriate clearances).