Family Engagement Caseworker

Job Title:                   Family Engagement Caseworker

Reports To:              Program Manager

Hours:                       37.5 hours/week

Location:                  Scranton, PA (onsite)

FLSA Status:           Full Time, Non-exempt

Outreach Culture:

Outreach's mission statement states, " With respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards, Outreach – Center for Community Resources offers a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency.". We strive to embody this mission in our employment as well. At Outreach, you will find an environment where you are family, and family comes first. We are an organization with 35 years of serving the community and are expanding our services to meet the growing needs in our service area.

Outreach Benefits:

We proudly offer the following benefits to eligible employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• 401k plan
• Personal and bereavement leave time
• Flexible work arrangements

Summary:

The Family Engagement Caseworker (FEC) collaborates with Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services staff to assist in the safety and well-being of the youth involved in child welfare services.  The FEC coordinates all aspects of the Family Engagement processes including but not limited to Family Group Decision Making Conferences, Crisis and Rapid Response Meetings, Family Team Conferences, as well as individual Family Finding activities. The FEC will also be responsible for assisting the county caseworkers with Family Finding activities and the court reports.

Duties:

• Learn Outreach regulations and agency policies.
• Legally and physically able to operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of participant transportation, transportation of supplies and materials on behalf of the agency.
• May be required to drive long distances, carry small children and their belongings, and occasionally be subjected to high stress/ high conflict situations.
• Work evening hours and weekend hours as needed.
• Participate in team/agency meetings.
• Complete forms with county caseworkers and/or participant families in order to gather information needed to complete Family Engagement activities.
• Provide Crisis and Rapid Response meetings to families as needed.
• Attend Family Finding training. Conduct Family Finding activities with the family.
• Attend shelter care hearings and subsequent hearings as needed.
• Attend Foundations training via the Child Welfare Resource Center.
• Attend training, facilitate, and coordinate Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Conferences.
• Assist the facilitator of Family Team Conferences (FTC) as needed.
• Attend public and private events and proceedings to promote Outreach and Family Engagement.
• Assist program manager by providing other supportive services as needed.
• Office attendance is mandatory.

Qualifications:

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.

Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university; or Associates Degree plus one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Spanish language skills are preferred.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office software; web-based training and data entry.

Certificates and Licenses:
Valid PA Driver's License; Must be able to obtain clearances under PA Child Protection laws.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze complex information, employ crisis intervention, assess for substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and mental illness.
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

**Outreach is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.