The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) provides extensive family finding efforts for the purposes of family/fictive kin connections and placements for eligible youth in congregate care referred by the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The Fostering Sustainable Connections Program (FSC) uses the Family Finding Strategy to increase the number of family-like settings for youth in congregate care. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

•          Accepts referred families from FES Supervisor. 

•          Delivers all elements of the Fostering Sustainable Connections (FSC) Program, as described in the Arizona Department of Child Safety FSC Program Manual.

•          Conducts Discovery and Engagement, Blended Perspectives Meeting, and Team Decision Meetings according to outline provided in FSC Program Manual. 

•          Meets with the youth and the youth’s team according to the times outlined in the FSC Scope of Work and FSC program manual for a duration of 180 days, with potential for 90-day extensions. 

•          Ensures that all services, procedures, and forms provided are culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate and gender responsive (including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ).

•          Carries a caseload of an average of fifteen youth at a time. 

•          Reports any abuse or neglect while the case is open and submits Incident Report to the Department of Child Safety, Program Director, HRT’s Compliance Department, and Program Supervisor.

•          Completes client documentation in HRT client database according to contract deadlines. 

•          Attends and completes a minimum of 15 hours of job-related training per Arizona Department of Child Safety Fostering Sustainable Connections Program Manual.

•          Ensures the safety, health, and welfare of staff and clients at all times.

•          Models and ensures all program norms are upheld without compromise.

•          Acts as a positive role model and mentor for youth and their supports.

•          Treats others with respect, confronts negative behavior, and supports confrontation.

•          Attends and participates in all required meetings including individual supervision and monthly group supervision.

TRAVEL

•          60% throughout counties assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

•          Associate degree in Social Work and one year of experience in social work or a related field • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid unrestricted Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

•          Minimum age requirement is 18 per contract. 

•          Must meet the requirements of a safe driver.  

•          Must possess a current Arizona State Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (5) years.  

•          Must have personal vehicle liability insurance and vehicle registration as required. 

• a) No Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) during the life of the Contract or in the five (5) years preceding the Contract. 
• (b) No at-fault Accidents during the life of the Contract or in the five (5) years preceding the Contract. 
• (c) No more than two (2) moving violations during the life of the Contract or in the five (5) years preceding the Contract. 
• (d) No more than one (1) excessive speed (per the A.R.S. §28-701.02) violation during the life of the Contract or in the five (5) years preceding the Contract.

•          Must be able to pass a DCS Clearance with no substantiated reports.

•          When required, the ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, and if requested a physical exam.

•          Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

•          Strong knowledge of the Fostering Sustainable Connections process, practice, and components. 

•          Skills, knowledge, and ability to instruct clients in the following topics: child development, home management, personal problem solving, accessing community services, and supports domestic violence issues, appropriate discipline and childcare techniques and age-appropriate parenting skills.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE • Bachelors’ degree preferred. 

Pay Rate: $22.00-$23.00 an hour

QUALIFICATIONS • Language Skills

Ability to respond effectively displaying professionalism, sensitivity, and empathy to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, and individual differences and challenges. Ability to write and maintain accurate and timely documentation. Ability to present information 1:1 and to groups in an organized and concise manner.

• Multi-tasking Skills

Must be able to work independently as well as a member of a team. Must have excellent organizational and time management skills. Must remain flexible and able to handle multiple priorities with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions. 

• Reasoning Ability

Ability to quickly assess unique situations and develop and apply strategies to effectively meet the needs of the child and family. Ability to interpret contracts and ensure compliance. Ability to provide exemplary service to employees and outside constituents.