Job Description: Child and Family Social Worker
Position: Child and Family Social Worker
Department: Family Services
Reports to: Supervisor/Manager
Job Summary:
The Child and Family Social Worker plays a vital role in providing comprehensive social work services to children and families in need. This position involves assessing, planning, and implementing support systems for families, with a specific focus on child welfare and protection. The Child and Family Social Worker collaborates with various community resources and professionals to ensure the safety, well-being, and overall improvement of family dynamics.
Responsibilities:
1. Conduct comprehensive assessments of families' needs, including interviews with parents, children, and other relevant individuals to gather necessary information.
2. Develop and implement individualized case plans based on assessment findings, focusing on child welfare, family preservation, and improvement of overall family functioning.
3. Provide crisis intervention services to families in challenging situations, ensuring the safety and immediate welfare of children.
4. Coordinate and facilitate support services, including referrals to external agencies, counseling, housing assistance, and financial aid, to address identified family needs.
5. Collaborate with other professionals, such as educators, healthcare providers, and legal personnel, to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to support families.
6. Monitor and evaluate the progress of families through regular home visits, meetings, and case conferences, adjusting the intervention strategies as needed.
7. Provide counseling and guidance to parents, children, and other family members, promoting healthy coping mechanisms and conflict resolution skills.
8. Assist families in accessing community resources and programs that promote child development, parental education, and family well-being.
9. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
10. Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities to enhance knowledge, skills, and awareness of current social work practices and policies.
11. Collaborate with local authorities, law enforcement, and child protection agencies as required, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of child development, family dynamics, and social work principles.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to child welfare and protection.
- Excellent assessment, case management, and crisis intervention skills.
- Ability to build rapport and engage effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
- Proficient in utilizing technology and software applications for documentation and case management purposes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously.
Experience:
- Previous experience in social work or related field is preferred.
- Experience working with children, families, and community resources is desirable.
Certifications:
- Valid Social Work or related professional license/certification, as required by state regulations.
Note: The responsibilities and qualifications outlined above are intended to provide an overview of the position and are not exhaustive. Additional duties and requirements may be assigned as deemed necessary by the organization.