The Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is a cabinet-level agency within the District of Columbia government, committed to safety, permanence, and well-being for children and families residing in the District of Columbia. Charged with protecting child victims and those at risk of abuse and neglect, CFSA fosters collaborations within its administrations to deliver exceptional family-focused services to the community and its residents.
This position is in the Clinical Case Management and Support (CCMS) Administration, Office of Deputy Director for In-Home and Out-of-Home Care (OIHOHC) within the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). The Resource Development Specialist (SOUL) provides assistance, advice, information, referrals, and support to older youth in foster care who are pursuing, or have achieved Support, Opportunity, Unity, Legal Relationship (SOUL) permanency, and to members of their SOUL Family. Specifically, the incumbent partners with youth age 16 and above, families, agency staff, community members, SOUL Caregivers and Supporters, service providers and other like institutions, to support positive functioning and the resolution of conflict and other challenges within a SOUL Family; to facilitate collaborative decision-making within the family; and to assist with the family’s receipt of, and engagement with, needed resources and services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides an array of complex administrative and operational support to Clinical Case Management and Support programs to meet the needs of internal and external customers, including serving in a Resource Parent Support role for SOUL Caregivers who are not licensed providers.
Supports social workers and youth in identifying and engaging their support networks.
Participates in transition planning activities led by the CCMS Social Worker, as youth are exiting foster care to SOUL, to ensure a seamless and supported transition out of care.
Following a youth’s exit from foster care, conducts regular outreach to SOUL Families to assess their level of stability; trouble-shoot challenges; and support the acquisition of needed resources and services, whether provided by CFSA or by external entities.
Co-leads or otherwise provides support for staff training on SOUL.
Serves as a SOUL Ambassador, Champion and Knowledge Expert for Case-Carrying Social Workers, and other staff across CFSA who are involved in SOUL, to support consistent practice.
Prepares for and participates in clinical case staffing, Family Team Meetings, Youth Transition Plan Meetings and other teaming activities to help support stability for the youth and their Caregivers and Supporters while they prepare to establish the SOUL Family and close the youth’s neglect case to SOUL.
Documents all interactions with youth and families in the Agency’s electronic data and information system (STAAND). Tracks, shares and documents data trends related to the development and finalization of SOUL families.
Makes recommendations on how to improve workflows and service delivery.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, social work concepts and principles, including those centered on adolescent development, authentic youth and family engagement, and the support of youth-centered and youth-led activity
Working knowledge of, and ability to navigate, the District’s and other entities’ social services programs and resources available to children and families in the District of Columbia.
Basic knowledge of CFSA’s In Home and Out of Home Care, and Older Youth Empowerment functions and objectives to support proper and timely delivery of case management and services to clients.
Ability to listen attentively and actively, engage with and provide timely and appropriate assistance and guidance to youth and family members, including to manage conflict and support relationship-repair.
Ability to use PCs and the associated pieces of software used by the agency.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to coordinate and support staffing and training as needed.
Ability to work with multiple clients simultaneously without losing focus on the needs or specific requirements of each.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills and customer service skills.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Education/Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant Bachelor’s degree (Social Work, Psychology, or other related field of discipline) is preferred.
At least one year of directly related experience in an educational or social services setting is highly preferred.
Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade 07 level in the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent. Specialized experience is work which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position including, but not limited to, conducting assessments on the clients complex requirements and/or needs and providing timely recommendations, guidance, and assistance in identifying and navigating the District governments existing resources to address the clients’ needs/requirements; working with other social services workers and staff, other professionals, and institutions to coordinate the needs of the older youth in foster care and to members of their SOUL Family and other similar duties.
Licenses and Certifications
None
Work Environment: The work is performed in an office and community/field setting. Some lifting involved (no more than 75 lbs.).
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday (hours to be determined), Tour of duty may include evenings and weekends.
Promotion Potential: CS-11
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Duration of Appointment: Career Services- Regular
Pay, Plan, Series &Grade: CS-0301-09
Position Designation: This position is deemed as “protection” sensitive per DPM Chapter 4, Suitability. The candidate/incumbent is subject to a criminal background check, traffic records check (as applicable), pre-employment drug and alcohol test, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test, and return-to-duty and follow-up drug and alcohol test.
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Closing Statement: Official Job Offers are made by D.C. Child and Family Services Agency.
