The IFP Specialist will provide Intensive Family Preservation Services using the HOMEBUILDERS® model, including crisis intervention, counseling, skill building, concrete services, and advocacy. Serve two to three families at a time whose children are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement, or who are in placement and cannot be reunified without intensive in-home services. Provide services primarily in client homes. Be available to respond to client crises when they occur. Reports to the Homebuilders® supervisor.
Staff members are expected to work with children and families, community partners and each other using KVC values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Open Honest Communication, Team Work and Continuous Improvement. Additionally, staff members are expected to be a role model for children and families, be solutions focused and build upon their strengths. KVC policies employees are also expected to maintain knowledge of, and adhere to all company policies and procedures.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or Graduate degree in social work, psychology, human services or related field; or undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, human services, or related field.
Licensure/Certification:
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance. Good driving record, vehicle in good condition; automobile liability insurance that meets minimum age requirements.
Experience:
At least two years’ experience working with children and families in their homes.
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Requires Intermediate computer skills in typing/keyboarding, Microsoft Word and Excel programs as well as Outlook email
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned according to qualification of staff and development of programs.
Duties: Primary Responsibilities
Structure services consistent with the Homebuilders® Standards:
- Serve an average of 18-22 families per year.
- Travel to client homes and other locations.
- Meet with families 3-5 times a week, approximately 10 hours per week, over a 4-6 week period.
- Maintain a flexible workweek, scheduling sessions at times that are convenient for families, and when problems are likely to occur, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Be available to client families 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Carry a cell phone for 24/7 availability. Arrange coverage when unavailable.
- Accept referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Complete client intake sessions within 24 hours of referral. Confirm client eligibility for service within 72 hours of intake.
- Provide back-up and support for other specialists as needed.
- Provide services to children and families referred in other KVC contract regions when necessary.
Conduct clinical interventions consistent with the Homebuilders® Standards:
- Assess safety, structure the environment and implement strategies/interventions designed to promote safety. Follow program guidelines and mandatory reporting statutes when responding to safety concerns.
- Conduct client-interactive, comprehensive, strength and behavior-focused assessments.
- Collaborate with family members and referents in developing intervention goals and service plans directly related to the risk of out-of-home placement. Monitor progress analyze barriers to goal achievement, and help families revise goals or plans as needed.
- Utilize motivation enhancement strategies to increase client motivation to change.
- Provide a range of behavioral, concrete and advocacy services to family members that are consistent with the Homebuilders® model and tailored to each family’s values, learning styles, lifestyle, circumstances and culture.
- Utilize research-based cognitive and behavioral strategies to facilitate behavior change.
- Utilize a variety of teaching methods to help families acquire, maintain and generalize skills.
- Collaborate and advocate with formal and informal community resources and systems, while teaching family members to advocate for themselves.
- Advocate for and provide concrete goods and services (including transportation) that are directly related to the family’s goals, while teaching family members to meet these needs on their own.
- Assess goal attainment and plan for maintenance of progress with family.
Participate in quality enhancement components of the Homebuilders® model:
- Follow guidelines regarding consulting with supervisor.
- Prepare for and actively participate in weekly team consultation meetings.
- Participate in all required training.
- Participate in quality enhancement activities with supervisor and Homebuilders® consultant (home visit observations, file reviews, model fidelity monitoring, consultation, etc.).
- Review performance data to identify needed areas for improvement.
- Work with supervisor to complete professional development plans and performance reviews.
- Work with supervisor and Homebuilders® consultant to implement quality enhancement or quality improvement plans.
Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities:
- Complete and submit all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
- Utilize online client data management system for all clinical documentation.
- Comply with all contract requirements.
- Submit all required personnel documents, as directed.
- Represent the agency in community meetings and on interagency teams as directed.
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, referring agency staff and other community professionals.
Continuing Education & Professional Development
- Create an Individual Learning Plan with Family Preservation Supervisor to identify required and needed areas of training in addition to areas of interest to enhance service delivery to families receiving FPRS Services.
- Attend trainings in fidelity measures necessary to complete job functions.
- Attend meetings, seminars, and other educational functions of the agency as identified by supervisor.
- Obtain 40 CEUs per year, including 20 by June 30.
- Complete assigned Relias Learning courses by given deadlines.
- Complete all CEUs required to maintain professional license, as applicable.
Record Keeping & Documentation
- Maintain and submit needed records in ChartOnline (electronic records system) for the purpose of quality assurance, documentation of service delivery, and agency billing.
- Complete program-specific case documentation within agency and contractual timeframes.
- Collaborative documentation will be utilized to complete service tickets, ChartOnline and other FPRS documentation and forms while in session with clients and/or guardians to ensure client involvement with treatment as appropriate.
- Complete Service Tickets and other documentation in ChartOnline in accordance with program deadlines.
- Upload case-related documentation to ChartOnline in accordance with agency requirements.
- Submit receipts weekly and in accordance with submission policy.
- Enter case information into the In-Home Services Database, as required.
Special Projects
- Assist with any special duties or responsibilities assigned by agency director or another member of management.
Professional Performance and Conduct
- Meet expectations as defined in the Performance Evaluation and Competency Checklists.
- Dress professionally as outlined in the KVC Employee Manual.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and agency information. All KVC employees are privy to confidential client information. Due to complex treatment needs of our clients, service providers have contacts that require written and verbal information exchange with different professionals and agencies. A strict code of behavior must be maintained to protect the special nature of divulged information.
- Follow reporting laws. When a child is endangered, in areas of health, neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse, all staff are legally obligated to report that information to authorities.
- Maintain client rights as outlined in agency manuals.
- Follow risk management policies as outlined in agency manuals.
- Follow KVC emergency and safety procedures as outlined in agency manuals.
- Maintain a current Driver’s License and automobile insurance (as required by agency’s insurer).
- Maintain professional behavior and attitude when interacting with management, colleagues, clients, and community partners in any setting.
- Follow code of ethics of one’s profession (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists).
Funding for this position provided through the Cabinet for Health & Family Services with Kentucky State Funds and/or Federal Funds.
KVC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
