FAMILY SERVICE WORKER
State of Arkansas - Blytheville, AR
posted 4 days ago
About the position
The Family Service Worker is responsible for providing protective foster care and supportive services for abused or neglected children. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. The FSW is expected to be prepared to work non-standard work hours which often include evenings, weekends, and holidays; be on a 24-hour on-call rotation for up to 7 days at a time; operate a motor vehicle safely according to applicable laws at any time of day or night; have reliable personal transportation; extensive in-state travel ability; maintain a valid driver's license and current auto insurance; and have the ability to work with families who are experiencing poverty, addiction, and/or some type of neglectful or abusive situation. The role also requires the ability to lift weight (i.e., picking up children) up to 50 lbs., transport children and adults, deal with complex situations, problem-solve, and handle stressful situations.
Responsibilities
- Investigates suspected child abuse and neglect complaints by making on-site visits, securing background information, and interviewing parties involved.
- Discusses investigative findings and observations with supervisor and recommends the opening of protective services, foster care, or supportive services cases.
- Intervenes in crisis situations, removes the child from the home if the situation is life-threatening, and arranges for temporary placement in foster homes, group homes, or treatment facilities.
- Develops a case plan to establish goals, objectives, tasks, and time frames for all parties involved in the case.
- Provides counseling and guidance to clients in defining their needs, interests, and courses of action and refers clients to other professionals, agencies, services, or community resources appropriate to clients' problems.
- Recruits and trains families, conducts home studies and family assessments to determine appropriate child placements, and visits clients and/or foster parents on a regular basis to monitor progress toward case objectives.
- Documents all case work activities and developments and prepares court reports for custody hearings and presents testimony when necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field.
- Successful completion of a six-month training class within agency core training period.
- Ability to evaluate family problems and develop a plan of action for improving relationships.
- Ability to interview and obtain information.
- Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written technical and confidential information and reports.
Nice-to-haves
- Formal education of a bachelor's degree.
- Experience in working with children and/or families.
- Some experience with community engagement or community resources.
- Public speaking and computer experience preferred.
- Organizational skills are a must.
Benefits
- Pension
- Maternity leave
- Paid state holidays
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
