Social Worker - Public Adoption Services - Eastern Region

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is currently seeking a Social Worker for our Public Adoptions Program in the Appleton or Fond Du Lac area.

Public Adoption works with children with disabilities involved in the foster care system with the goal of helping them find permanent loving homes.

Our Social Workers provide case management for the children, prepare home studies, and license families.

Hours for the position are generally 8:00 am - 4:30pm (Appointments, with children, may need to be scheduled after school hours.) Occasional nights/weekends may be needed. This is a full time, benefit eligible role.

The Social Worker-Public Adoption Services coordinates adoption services. Services are provided to adoptive parents and children, while working within agency policies, goals, and regulatory requirements. May perform other duties as required.

Examples of services Expected may include (These are examples, not all inclusive, and all services may not be provided by an individual employee.):

• Assessment of youth and family strengths and needs.
• Care/Service planning - children and families
• Care/Service facilitation - children and families

AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with applicable service regulations as well as agency and departmental policies and procedures.
• Must relate to people of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.
• Represent LSS internally and externally as a servant leader in thought, words and actions.

DIRECT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees providing direct services):

• Promote client independence and growth, consistent with the service plan.
• Provide services using a trauma-informed and person and/or family-centered model.
• Provide services utilizing agency approved and supported evidence-based practices that have been indicated by the funder and/or agency.
• Accurately complete time reporting.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Assessment of families including but not limited to conducting home study and Child and Adolescent Strength and Needs Assessment (CANS)
• Thoroughly document activities and required duties in state Ewisacwis system within 72 hours of activity
• Professionally complete court reports and represent LSS and the State of WI-Department of Children and Families in court matters
• Provide consultation and support to counties that are moving a case toward adoption
• Travel to homes to assure safety for youth in the state public adoption program
• Audit case records
• Ensure file and actions comply and meet applicable state standards
• Provide supportive services for families and children
• Supervise placement of child until legal finalization
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including private and governmental organizations
• Have working knowledge of necessary codes for particular state, licensing and statute requirements, such as DCF 50, 56, and Chapter 48, DHS Rules R400.12101 - R400.12713 Social Work Ethics, Adoption Competency Practices, HIPPA, etc.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to access them and complete referrals
• The ability to work with culturally diverse populations
• Understanding of mental health issues and diagnosis and supporting treatment efforts
• An understanding of developmental stages and ability to assess potential delays
• Complete required documentation within required timelines and expectations per LSS, regulation, payers, and practice standards.
• Attends and participates in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional seminars.
• Within your scope of practice, provide consultation to peers.
• Schedule is based on client need.
• Expected to understand productivity expectations and meet those standards that have been established for the role and the program.
• Performs other duties and special projects as required.

PERKS:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)




• By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.
• LSS Clinical Managers (supervision@lsswis.org) and Human Capital employees can assist you in applying for this benefit.




• Clinical Supervision and Consultation




• We offer a free, robust clinical supervision experience for any type of licensure that focuses not only on client needs, but employee development.




• Training




• LSS is focused on the continued growth of our employees and ensuring we provide high quality services.
• LSS employees are eligible for receiving internal as well as financial support for external trainings to support your growth and required Continuing Education (CEU) credits.




• Flexibility




• LSS is a family/employee-focused agency which values work-life balance.
• Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate personal commitments by flexing their schedule or utilizing time off.
• Some programs have the option of working remotely.




• Benefits Package




• 10 paid holidays (ex: Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, etc.)
• 2 personal days
• Sick & Vacation Time
• LSS makes annual raises and additional bonuses a priority for employees
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Flex Spending for Dependent & Health Care
• Mileage reimbursement
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This position requires:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or other human service program approved by the Social Worker Section of the DSPS guidelines.
• A Master's degree in Social Work or closely related field is preferred.
• Two years of experience working in Human Services or Social Work field is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

• Must be a certified or licensed social worker (CSW, APSW, LISW, LCSW) or the ability to become licensed.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret to complete required documentation by established timeframes.
• Ability to document in a neat, legible, accurate, objective and consistent manner to reflect the services provided.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all levels of LSS management and employees, as well as the individual, family, and circle of support.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

• Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.
• Ability to utilize efficiently an electronic health record(s) for documentation of direct services.
• Must be able to work on computer and utilize computer applications and programs to effectively complete the job.
• Ability to work within a variety of ever-changing software packages and computer systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently bend/stoop, crouch, climb stairs and kneel. This position will require the ability to access a variety of locations in the community.

The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis that may include verbal aggression.

The incumbent of this position works in a community environment (home, office, community, etc.). The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor conditions when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL: Daily travel may be required. Some overnight travel may be required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.