Foster Care and Adoption Specialist

Foster Care and Adoption Specialist

Requisition # : req15685

Location : Lancaster, PA or Reading, PA

Hours : Full-time (40-hours / week)

Travel required to provide services across Central Pennsylvania region.

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values : we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul.

The Foster Care Case Manager is primarily responsible for providing case management services for abused, neglected children who may also be delinquency wards in foster care. This individual is also responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the child in care. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management services to children in foster care; Attend and testify at court hearings, as necessary;
• Maintain effective contact with attorneys, therapists, CASA workers, and / or other providers;
• Maintain current and accurate client records, case files, record notes, and medical records;
• Comply with the reporting guidelines established by the organization, Department of Child Services (DCS), and the court, while submitting all required reports in a timely manner;
• Provide services that empower clients and adhere to the organization's standards of ethical Practice;
• Coordinate and facilitate the completion of the treatment plan, and maintain contact with all providers to include attending child and family team meetings;
• Meet with foster parents at least monthly to assist with and ensure the appropriate care is given to foster children;
• Investigate child abuse and neglect in accordance with program expectations and guidelines;
• Recommend whether the parental rights should be terminated in a timely manner that ensure the safety of the child;
• Participate in on-call system and schedule, as necessary;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction;
• Partner with the Licensing and Placement Specialist regarding foster parent complaints;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer foster families for support, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program / department;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

#LI-SR1