What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialized Foster Care Specialist position at UPMC?
Description
The Specialized Foster Care Specialist is responsible for assisting the Program Supervisor and in managing the Family Living through the Specialized Foster Care Program of MYCS and Children, Youth and Families (CYF). This position, at the direction of the Program Supervisor, ensures that MYCS? overall philosophy is carried out and that the child and foster family are receiving the supports necessary to live the life in the best interest on the child. The Specialized Foster Care Specialist must be comfortable working with a variety of individuals of all ages and socio-economic levels and an array of agencies within the social service system. This support should include consideration of the well-being of the entire family. The Specialized Foster Care Specialist is responsible for maintaining HIPAA and Code of Federal Regulations Chapter 42 Public Health confidentiality standards.
The schedule for this position will be primarily after school hours- late afternoons/evenings. Some weekend hours as needed and determined by the department.
Responsibilities:
- Represent Agency at State/County initiative meetings, as needed.
- Develop relationships with individuals interested in pursuing our help in finding a living situation. Support relationships in the family through 24-hour phone support and home visits.
- Coordinate securing supports and generic services for the individual and the family such as; medical, therapists, respite, etc., for assigned case load. This may include helping with appointments, attending consultant visits and transportation.
- Prepare and support families in meeting the requirements set forth by the state, county and agency, including Chapter 3680 and 3700 regulations.
- Complete all documentation in the KIDS system.
- Represent Agency at State/County initiative meetings, as needed.
- Ensure the implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISP) for assigned case load.
- Complete an ISP and monthly updates Complete education evaluations.
- Utilize agency KIDS system for Specialized program.
- Make regular contact with people involved in supporting the individual. This may include the Supports Supervisor, friends, family, neighbors, medical personnel, employers, day program, etc.
- Attend court hearings and be available to testify. Visit and monitor foster child in the home twice monthly; if infant visit and monitor weekly. Attend meetings at schools, CYF, and therapies
- Assure children have Early Periodic Screening Treatment (EPST) appointments, dental appointments and annual physicals.
- Follow and be knowledgeable of the 3680 and 3700 regulations of CYF. Complete intake packet for admission to program. Update State-Wide Adoption Network (SWAN) with any change in foster home.
- Attend training as required with 26 hours of training per year and 20 hours of supervision relevant to CYF.
- Assist with transportation for family visits and supervision of visits. Coordinate services and supports and assist with appointments as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
- 2 years work experience in child services.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Driver's License
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
- UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran