Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.
OVERVIEW: Under the direction of the Mental Health Supervisor, the Family Finding Permanency Specialist is responsible for engaging in research, investigation and outreach to locate relatives, community connections and fictive kin of youth within the STRTP. The goal of this process is to ensure a system of supportive adults and to identify permanent resources committed to the youth so they may benefit from lifelong connections. This position will interact with the youth and the youth’s potential connections in a trauma informed and culturally sensitive manner.
DUTIES:
Family Finding and Engagement
Engage in extensive research, investigation and outreach in locating parents/guardians, extended family and fictive kin of youth after obtaining authority.
Engage youth in an age-appropriate manner as part of the research and assessment process, utilizing a family-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based lens with a focus on inclusive and equitable practices.
Conduct thorough reviews of relevant case files to assist in identifying family members or other key people in the youth’s natural network who may be options for placement, permanency planning and/or supporting life-long connections.
Conduct interviews with the youth’s parents, relatives, community members and the youth themselves to assist in identifying family/fictive kin; support youth in developing meaningful and enduring connections with adults who will support them across their lifespan.
Utilize creative search methods as needed to help ensure success in locating familial supports and connections, including the use of database and systems analysis, social media, web-based searches, genogram reviews, and other tools and methods to map and locate prospective supports and placement resources for the youth.
Compose and send written correspondence and visit homes of identified individuals with the goal of establishing communication and fostering engagement with the Child and Family Team (CFT).
Prepare clear, concise, well-written and timely reports, letters and documents.
Track activities and outcomes to clearly outline the family finding and engagement process taken with each youth. Coordinate with the QI department as needed.
Serve as an active member of the CFT, collaborating with all its members including the county social worker, placement worker, attorney, SCH STRTP members, family and youth to facilitate connections between newly found family/fictive kin members, supports and other collateral resources in order to improve permanency outcomes.
Ensure delivery of service is completed in a safe manner that exhibits good judgment, professional conduct and problem-solving skills.
Communicate in a professional and empathetic manner so that those contacted feel supported, heard, and willing to engage.
Provide information to the SCH treatment team on all matters related to the youth as required.
Focus efforts to achieving the anticipated outcomes that include increase in reunification rates, improve well-being and placement stability, transition the youth out of the child welfare system, decrease re-entry rates and stronger sense of belonging for youth.
Assist in the recruitment of caregivers, including attending recruitment and networking events/training and engaging in social media campaigns.
Complete documentation of all program activities according to program requirements.
Maintain confidentiality, privacy and HIPAA mandates as stated in SCH policies and system.
LOCATION: 2750 Sutterville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95820
SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday (occasional weekend days) 10:00 am – 6:00 pm or 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
SALARY: $20.79 - $23.38 per hour, to start
QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or GED is required. An AA degree or 60 units of college credits in a human services field is required. A BA in a human services field is preferred.
One year of experience working in a mental health setting with youth is required.
At least one year working in a group home or STRTP is preferred. Experience with the child welfare system preferred.
Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Skilled in the use of social media and other web-based search methods.
Ability to take initiative and use creative approaches.
Knowledge of mental health issues.
Knowledge of child development.
Knowledge of cultural issues.
Knowledge of child abuse issues.
Knowledge of substance abuse issues.
Knowledge of behavior management.
Knowledge of family dynamics.
Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care.
Ability to provide crisis intervention.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Good organizational skills.
Skill to maintain a professional, confidential work environment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time in an efficient manner.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word.
Ability to deal with stressful situations.
Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of staff and clients.
BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development and career advancement opportunities.
TO APPLY: External candidates must complete our online employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.
PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.
