Social Worker (DC/MD Licensed -- LGSW/LMSW)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Social Worker will provide case management for children, and their families for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM), that have been placed in foster care in the District of Columbia. Incumbent will provide assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.

This position will support a caseload of @ 10 clients receiving Foster Care Services through the Washington, DC and Greenbelt, MD offices. Regional travel is required to support the youth and families being served.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Meeting with clients’ face to face at minimum twice a month to conduct safety assessments, determine service needs, and monitor progress toward case plan goals.
• Work with clients, foster parents, and other professional partners to assess capabilities and concerns, and to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Serve as liaison/advocate between client and foster parents, health specialists, school staff, DC Family Court and immigration court, and other service providers to help clients who face problems such as complex trauma histories, disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
• Maintain case records and prepare reports (ie: court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports).
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as educational support, employment training,financial literacy, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment, and assist client (and foster parents) ongetting services as well as provide thorough information about where to go and how to apply.
• Work in a team environment to include attorneys, service providers, community partners, and government entities.
• Develop and review case plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing thequantity and quality of services provided.
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Coordinate medical and behavioral health appointments for clients
• Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.
• Assist with placing clients in foster homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers if/and when needed.
• Prepare clients for successful transition to independence and young adulthood.
• Maintain comprehensive and timely documentation of all contact with clients, foster parents, attorneys, and any other member of the team.
• Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge or understanding of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement program.
• Master’s degree (MSW) from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed to practice Social Work in DC & MD (LGSW / LMSW / LCSW).
• Culturally competent: experience with different cultures, religions, and nationalities.
• Experience in writing cohesive and coherent court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports.
• Experience in family therapy and/or trauma informed therapy.
• Must have reliable and accessible transportation.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
• Required to pass to DC, MD and VA child protection clearances, federal and state criminal histories.
• Required to pass background and drug screen, and TB test.

SKILLS

• 2 plus years of experience in child welfare.
• 2 plus years of experience in the foster care system.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Experienced in data collection systems.
• Ability to manage time well.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.

To apply or for additional information, contact kellyg@shepherdsg.com and/or 516-256-8779.