Independent Living Caseworker

Core Competencies

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about Blueprints mission and others in the organization.
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job.
• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles.
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results.
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems.

Effective Practices

• Demonstrates respect for others by sharing information objectively and non-judgmentally and adjusting verbal and written communication strategies for different audiences, guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct and using appropriate language.
• Confidentiality Statement: Upon accepting employment with Blueprints you will not disclose or use any Blueprints confidential information, either during or after your employment.
• Effectively communicates with others by using available technologies (e.g. fax, voice-mail, computers - see attached chart). Ensures that own communication is easily understood by speaking and writing clearly and using standard grammar and spelling.
• Makes prudent use of resources by monitoring consumption, minimizing waste, and offering suggestions for improving agency efficiency (e.g. travel expenses, office supplies).
• Effectively carries out job responsibilities by familiarizing self with pertinent program plans and policies, and overall agency goals and working cooperatively as part of a program team.
• Provides a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by acknowledging, accepting and accommodating differences.

Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
• Understand and maintain compliance with contractual agreements and agency contracts with Children and Youth Services, to include completing all paperwork associated with the position and meeting deadlines as outlined within such contracts.
• Maintain awareness of and abide by agency organizational structure, goals, mission, policies, and procedures and all local, state and federal regulations and requirements. Represent same throughout the community.
• Assist in the coordination, initiation, and implementation of groups and individual Life Skills Training sessions.
• Conduct all required individual in-home sessions to youth.
• Maintain written documentation of all youth in the program including progress reports, transition plans, program reports and assessments.
• Maintain contact with Washington County Children and Youth Services and all other private providers involved with program youth.
• Establish positive relationships with youth and ensure program and treatment goals are addressed and attained.
• Provide case management services for all referred participants.
• Maintain accurate and current case records for all participants on caseload as per applicable local, state, and federal regulations and/or contractual requirements.
• Develop a working knowledge of other community agencies and their services for the purpose of assessing a participant's suitability for services through these agencies.
• Provide referrals to other appropriate services intended to link participants to community resources.
• Attend court hearings and meetings related to job duties as required.
• Provide crisis intervention and prevention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through participation in on-call rotation as scheduled.
• Available for 5 days IL Retreat and other mandatory conferences/meetings.
• Attend case consultations, interagency team meetings, court hearings, conferences, staff meetings, in-service trainings, and seminars, as required.

Computer Skills Needed

• Computer Intermediate
• Internet Intermediate
• Email Intermediate
• Word Intermediate
• Excel Intermediate

Skills, Abilities And Experience

• Two (2) yea s' experience working with children and families preferred.
• Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System Experience preferred.
• Transportation of clients to and from client session, outings, and office locations.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with children and youth of various developmental stages including at risk adolescents.
• Caseworker III: Additional Skill/Abilities/Experience
• Consistently uses good judgement to make decisions independently.
• Demonstrates sound knowledge of Blueprints Policies and program regulations.
• Has ability to maintain considerable latitude for independent decision making and action.
• Assists peers in decision making process.
• Assists in mentoring new staff and peers.
• Can temporarily assign tasks in absence of Supervisor.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
• Caseworker II & III: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field with 2+ years' experience working with children and families or Master's degree in Social Work or related field.