Benefits:
401(k)
Free food & snacks
Paid time off
Parental leave
Training & development
Wellness resources
Dental insurance
Health insurance
The Youth Permanency Worker will be responsible for managing a designated case load of youth referred to the Plummer Group Home or Pre-IL Program by DCF. The essential function of this position is to aggressively advance the youth towards permanency through the delivery of Plummer’s Permanency Intervention. The Permanency Intervention will be delivered by utilizing youth-guided/Family driven care principles; and by Family Search and Engagement, Permanency Readiness, and Youth Guided/Family Driven Teaming.
Essential Job Functions:
Meet with each resident to introduce the permanency dimension of the Plummer residential program and engage the youth in active involvement in his own permanency planning from the point of intake.
Work individually with youth to identify parents, family members and other caring adults he/she wishes to locate or be reconnected to and/or who could potentially be a parent-figure or a supportive adult in his life.
Effectively Utilize Family Search and Engagement for parents/relatives, including reaching out and engaging them in permanency planning and decision-making
Effectively utilize DCF consults and Safety Parameter Meetings to begin building a team
Effectively engage the youth and family in Permanency Readiness Work by preparing the youth for permanency, including helping him/her clarify his life events and experiences, understand the reason he is in foster care as well as the steps needed to get him out of foster care and back to his family of origin or to an alternate family.
Effectively utilize Youth Guided, Family Driven Teaming to build a team of natural supports working towards exiting the youth to safe, stable, emotionally secure family situation
Assist youth in readiness to live in the family and community
Develop team meeting agendas to support and drive permanency work
Educate stakeholders to instill the belief of permanency work
Collaborate with all systemic partners
Effectively and collaboratively participate on youth’s treatment team to advocate for and advance progress toward permanency
Partner with the DCF social worker to assure identification of an appropriate permanency goal (one that will result in leaving foster care to family rather than aging out); remove barriers to that goal as needed; and achieve timely progress toward the permanency outcome
Complete the 30-day Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment for each newly admitted youth within 30 days of intake.
Complete treatment plans, progress reviews and outcomes assessment at all contractually mandated intervals and in accordance with Plummer and DCF policy and procedures
Complete written progress notes on APRICOT regarding all treatment interventions and interactions with youth and collaterals.
Complete all APRICOT and VG discharge documentation within the appropriate time frame and in accordance with Plummer and DCF policy and procedures
Schedule, and facilitate Youth Guided Family Driven Team Meetings at 30 days and every 90 days thereafter.
Participate in external meetings for youth on caseload such as 29 B hearings and Foster Care Reviews.
Provide transportation to residents to and from meetings, school, appointments, court etc.
Attend monthly Permanency consults
Accept all other duties assigned by the Clinical Director
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree with professional licensure preferred
Minimum of an LSW or eligible to obtain LSW within 30 days of hire
Demonstrated understanding and knowledge regarding DCF regulations, policies and practice.
Minimum of three years’ experience working with children and families involved with the child welfare system.
Strong ability to authentically engage youth and families.
Excellent verbal, written, and computer skills in conjunction with strong organizational skills.
Ability to ascend and descend stairways.
Visual and hearing acuity to perform job related functions
Valid state driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, satisfactory driving history
COMPETENCIES:
Communication: Shares appropriate information to keep people informed; Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and person; Adheres to both written and verbal reporting communication policies.
Conflict Management: focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control; remains open to, and listens to, other ideas and tries new things. Will embrace constructive change even if personally difficult to do.
Initiative: Exhibits strong effort and desire to accomplish what is undertaken; expresses opinions in a professional manner
Self-Awareness & Development is aware of own strengths and areas of development; open to constructive feedback from others; Works to overcome limitations; Active in professional development.
Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others; contributes to achieve a common objective; Makes decisions that benefit the team; Assists others when needed; Celebrates wins together.
Managing On-going Tasks: Manages the on-going operations of the program; Appropriately manages his/her time; Readiness/preparedness for work; follows program policy and protocol; makes informed decisions.
Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Flexible work from home options available.