Kinship Case Manager, Foster Care

Location:  Harrisburg, PA       

Hours:  Full-time (40-hours/week)

The Kinship Case Manager is primarily responsible for assisting the program with providing intensive in-home case management for county identified kinship cases, with the purpose of maintaining and strengthening family units, by providing necessary services designed to license and maintain kinship families and the children in their home. This program works with family strengths, monitors the family dynamics, provides linkages to community resources, and provides information regarding child development and age-appropriate behavior and discipline as well as general case management services.

This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage and support kinship caregivers. The Kinship Case Manager works collaboratively with the internal and external teams to ensure the best interest and well-being of the children are met.

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 intensive in-home case management for county identified kinship cases;
• Certify potential kinship caregivers to determine suitability as kinship resource, in most cases under emergency conditions;
• Complete final home studies through comprehensive interviews and assessments;
• Serve as a resource of information and liaison between all parties involved in the case and identified stakeholders regarding medical, educational and mental health providers;
• Conduct visits with children, parents and/or caregivers that include the on-going assessment of child safety, permanency and well-being;
• Organize support groups and training plans for kinship caregivers with focus on "Together Facing the Challenge" parent coaching model;
• Develop and implement a plan that meets the needs of the children and the family;
• Perform case management responsibilities in accordance with state and federal laws, Department of Children and Families Administrative Codes and Operating Procedures, funding source policies and internal policies on child abuse, abandonment, and neglect within required timeframes;
• Attend court hearings, prepare and file all court documents within required timeframes;
• Travel on a regular basis to external parties;
• Demonstrate flexibility with working hours outside of the normal business hours to meet the needs of the role to include some evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Complete other duties as assigned.
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or equivalent field of study from an accredited college with at least three (3) years of subsequent experience in a child and family welfare agency or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college with at least two (2) years of subsequent experience in a child and family welfare agency;
• Master’s degree in Social Work or equivalent field of study from an accredited college with at least two (2) years of subsequent experience in a child and family welfare agency, preferred;
• 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;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Must have an ability to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.