Permanency Specialist

Job Summary

Required Qualifications

• •Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• •At least two (2) years of experience in human services or child welfare programs
• •Two years of previously supervised work experience in child welfare related field
• •Availability to work a flexible schedule as required by the department, including nights and weekends
• •Possess a current Background Clearance Screening Letter as required by DCF
• •Valid Florida driver's license
• •Ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance
• •CPR Certification
• •First Aid Certification
• •Annual Tuberculosis test
• •Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
• •Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required
• •Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
• •Ability to identify and evaluate an individual's strengths, barriers, problems, and needs for the development of a Wellness and Recovery Plan
• •The ability to write assessments, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other consumer related data
• •Knowledge of the inter-relationship among substance use, mental health, and primary care disorders
• •Knowledge and application of developmental theories
• •The ability to evaluate the impact of substance use and mental health problems on the consumer's functioning in major life area
• •The ability to coordinate and integrate multiple services, as well as interface and communicate with internal and external providers
• •The ability to provide information to individuals and families concerning alcohol or other drug abuse, mental health problems, and the available services and resources
• •The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer/family to utilize the support systems and community resources available
• •The ability to identify crises when they surface; mitigate or resolve the immediate problem; and de-escalate the situation, including the ability to develop Safety Plans, as needed
• •The ability to assess the individual's growth and development relative to normative development for his/her chronological age, including physical, emotional, cognitive, educational, and social development
• •Understanding of the relationship among mental health, substance use, physical health, and medication use on daily functioning
• •Understanding and application of federal, state, local and agency confidentiality rules and professional standards of conduct
• •Understanding of family dynamics, family roles, and family structure
• •Understanding of professional ethics, consumer rights, and professional responsibilities
• •Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with members of a multidisciplinary team
• •Ability to organize, interpret, and communicate data in a comprehensive and effective manner
• •Ability to handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize
• •Ability to network with internal and external departments and agencies
• •Understanding of issues related to prevention, intervention and treatment
• •Ability to use care principles including ensuring consumer safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing consumer choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment
• •Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
• •Understands the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
• •Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma
• •Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• •Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• •Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• •Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• •Demonstrates a high degree of dependability
• •Maintains a good attendance record
• •Observes working hours
• •Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
• •Works independently with minimal supervision
• •Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
• •Work time is always productive
• •Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
• •Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others
• •Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time
• •Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare
• •Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
• •Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• •Ensures and maintains a safe working environment
• •Work area is clean and orderly
• •Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures
• •Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center's reporting procedures
• •Presents a positive personal image
• •Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
• •Extensive knowledge of child welfare systems, case management, and regulatory compliance
• •Experience in program development, quality assurance, and staff supervision
• •Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• •Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• •Strong organizational and project management skills
• •Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds
• •Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files)
• •Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques
• •Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
• •Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication
• •Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance
• •Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions
• •Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions
• •Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings
• •The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques
• •Certification as a Certified Case Manager (CBHCM or CWCM) in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Florida Certification Board

Desired Qualifications

• •Certification as a Certified Case Manager (CBHCM or CWCM) in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred
• •Bilingual is preferred