Post-Adoption Community Support Specialist/Case Manager

JOB TITLE: Community Support Specialist/Case Manager

JOB CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT STATUS: FULL-TIME

PROGRAM: Post Adoption

LOCATION: Catholic Charities, Inc. (Ridgeland, MS)

REPORTS TO: PROGRAM DIRECTOR

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Post-Adoption Case Manager/Community Support Specialist (CM/CSS) provides ongoing support to families after an adoption is finalized, helping to strengthen family functioning and resolve issues that may arise. The CM/CSS coordinates services, supports and advocates for the family and connects resources to the family. The CM/CSS focuses on monitoring the progress of a family whose needs require the services of many different professionals, agencies, health care facilities, and human services programs. It typically involves assessing family needs, connecting with community resources, and acting as a service coordinator for the family. Knowledge of best practices, working cooperatively with other agencies within the system of care framework, family friendliness and wraparound philosophy are a necessity.

This position will provide assistance to the Adoption Program Specialist with recruitment and training of respite families and will assist in coordinating support groups and group outings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. The CSS/CM will maintain a caseload of cases which included all identified youth/families who have adopted, are adopting and in need of short-term intensive case management. Increase awareness of post-adoption services and maintain effective working relationships with other child-placing agencies.
2. The CSS/CM will be responsible for developing and implementing service plans, coordinating services, and providing direct support to the family and child as well as, creating community support plans and/or discharge plans for those families receiving post-adoption services.
3. The CSS/CM will maintain accurate documentation on all activities in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, case notes, assessments, service plans, case staffing notes, and weekly/monthly reports.
4. The CSS/CM will maintain confidentiality both in writing through signed release of information forms and in day-to-day interactions with community resources and service families. This will include obtaining information from other service agencies on the consumers served.
5. When assigned, will work with Adoption Specialist to serve a family's support needs and facilitate service coordination if requested by the family.
6. The CSS/CM will develop and maintain contacts with other agencies in order to facilitate the creation of service teams and will serve on the child's service team if there is a need identified by the team and/or family.
7. The CSS/CM will provide transportation as needed for the families served or make arrangements for the families' transportation as needed.
8. The CSS/CM will provide information and guidance to the family system in order to help meet their own needs in the future by offering guidance, training, and support in areas such as behavior management and coping with past trauma in order to strengthen family relationships.
9. The CSS/CM will be responsible for gathering data on all assigned cases. This may involve assisting the Program Director or Post Adoption Specialist with enrolling youth from their caseload into the assigned Electronic Health Record.
10. The CSS/CM will maintain 20 contact hours each week, as well as, other assigned statistical information and assist families during crises, providing immediate support and de-escalation.
11. Upon employment, the CSS/CM will complete the WRAP 101 training, case management, and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy web based trainings to familiarize him/herself with the type of trauma treatments used.
12. All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's degree in Social Work or similar field required.
2. Two years experience in case management/crisis intervention.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Ability to work well with seriously emotionally disturbed youth using positive, stengths-based principles and relate warmly to families and children without violating boundaries.
2. Ability to utilize training to respond appropriately in a crisis situation. Always putting the needs of the youth and family first, and making timely contact with all parties to resolve crisis situations.
3. Ability to utilize life experience without violating your own or others' boundaries.
4. Ability to follow all written and verbal instructions, and communicate with all program staff.
5. Demonstrate ability to work as a team player, including viewing the family members as equal partners in all aspects of the program.
6. Ability to utilize case management knowledge base and creativity in meeting families' needs.
7. Must have the ability to relate to a wide diversity of people in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner.
8. Good organizational and time management skills. Must be able to work independently and meet assigned deadlines.
9. Pleasant manner on the telephone, as well as, the ability to use the phone system.
10. Ability to be flexible and reliable in completing tasks necessary to carry out the goals of the program.
11. Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries; work with other staff and not cross lines with other staff positions.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

1. DMH Community Support Specialist certification OR be eligible to obtain within 90 days of employment
2. Current and valid Drivers License
3. Acceptable driving record that does not incur increased insurance rates.
4. Maintenance of adequate vehicle liability insurance.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to read, write, and speak English
2. Must be physically and emotionally capable of performing ALL functions of the job