KINSHIP CARE SPECIALIST

The Kinship Care Specialist position supports the Foster Care and Adoption unit whose mission is to promote safety, permanency and well-being.

This position provides intensive case management to children and their relatives or identified non-biological family support persons (fictive kin) to promote the primary goal of reunification when children must be removed from their homes. Job Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Contacting identified relatives/fictive kin regarding a child's entry into foster care and need for placement
• Assess capacity of potential kinship caregivers to meet the needs of specific children
• Provide training to kinship foster families using the Traditions of Caring curriculum
• Ensure State approval standards for kinship foster families are met
• Provide supportive case management to kinship foster families to maintain placements
• Develop service plans in partnership with families and in collaboration with the assigned Family Services Specialist
• Make referrals for services
• Document all interactions thoroughly and timely according to State mandates
• Collaborate with service providers
• Respond to crises, including after business hours

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Knowledge of social, economic, and public health problems.
• Knowledge of casework theory and practice.
• Knowledge of how to deal with trauma.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of special needs and services of individuals/groups related to assigned area.
• Skill in providing appropriate and effective case management.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling.
• Ability to communicate effectively in understandable terms, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, co-workers, staff, other professionals, officials, and the public.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; two (2) years of related work experience in a social service or child/adult welfare agency; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Bi-lingual skills in Spanish and English preferred.

• Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, CPS, and DMV. Valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).
• Hold or obtain certifications such as CPR if required for assigned position.
• Obtain specific training such as CPS/Foster Care/APS state training as required or desired for assigned area.

Loudoun County Regular Full-time Employees are eligible for full benefits including but not limited to the following as a part of a total rewards package!

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Annual Paid Holidays
• Group Health Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Exceptional Performance Recognition
• Credit Union Membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education and Career Development