Area Social Worker - Bethany : Job Details

Area Social WorkerRequisition #: req15375 Location: Remote in Savannah, GA Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) 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 As the Foster Care Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for providing case management services to children in care. This individual is also responsible for ensuring that children can safely return home to their families and if that is not possible make sure that the child(ren) receive the best alternative permanent plan in accordance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. 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 as defined by program expectations and guidelines, to include social work, treatment of clients, and coordinate community referrals;
• Administer and maintain case files, documentation, and create service plans within the appropriate database in a timely manner based on guidelines and procedures set forth by agency and funding entity
• Attend and be prepared for all court hearings that occur on assigned cases;
• Must be able and willing to work some evenings and weekends as needed and participate in the rotating on-call schedule, as needed;
• Attend internal and external training and apply newly gained knowledge in providing services;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Conduct periodic adoptive educational and preparational group meetings for pre-adoptive families to ensure appropriate resources for referred children;
• Process case assignments and complete child and adoptive family assessments in accordance with agency expectations and procedures;
• Coordinate pre-adoptive planning with foster care workers, foster and adoptive parents and DHS referral sources, including It's My Turn Now Georgia, when necessary;
• Prepare children, foster and adoptive families for adoption, and conduct pre-adoptive visitation of referred children with appropriate families;
• Conduct adoptive placements for referred children with approved families in accordance to contract and agency expectations;
• Ensure quality adoptions services within state licensing requirements;
• Monthly in-home contact is required with adoptive families and children;
• Meet regularly with supervisor to consult on case review case plan and direction, and to evaluate progress;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's level degree in Social Work or related Human Service field of study from an accredited college;
• Master's level degree in Social Work or related Human Service field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• At least one (1) year of prior experience with DFCS or Child Placing Agencies is preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must possess the ability to engage, develop, and maintain positive community relationships with a diverse group of individuals;
• Demonstrates excellent assessment, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver'slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to andintegration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.

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