Intensive Family Support Services Social Worker (IFSS)
JOB SUMMARY
The Intensive Family Support Services Social Worker (IFSS) provides intensive in-home services to families that struggle with meeting the needs of their children and with completing their goals. IFSS helps lessen the risk of the child and works toward preventing out of home placement of the children. IFSS provides ongoing risk assessment to the child and offers the family crisis intervention. IFSS maintains a caseload of approximately six to eight families and provides face to face contact with the family as mandated by the IFSS program (one to three times a week). The IFSS has a clear and precise awareness of the community and the ability to utilize resources on behalf of the client. The IFSS networks, develops a plan with clients, and advocates for clients and families experiencing duress while maintaining a sensitivity to community issues. This role requires a flexible schedule to accommodate family’s need. This position is based in the Doylestown Office and hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 am – 5pm. Working schedule may vary based on departmental need and include flexible hours to work evenings, weekends, or holidays are mandatory. IFSS social workers need to be able to offer transportation to their families as needed.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work preferred, or degree in health, human service discipline or related field.
EXPERIENCE
At least one year experience working in social service, education, health care or related field. Experienced in human services setting preferably with children, families and/or minority populations. Bi-lingual in Spanish is desired.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
• Experience and knowledge of developmental stages for all age groups.
• Ability to mobilize community resources, to help the clients engage in effective problem solving methods, to guide, to counsel, and to support client and/or family strengths.
• Ability to assess situations for potential crises offering support through alternative resolution, utilizing community resources, extended family members, public and private agencies, etc.
• Ability to develop clear alternatives and to assist in problem solving that empowers the family to take responsibility. • Ability to engage resistant populations and build rapport with them.
• Experience and/or knowledge of how substance abuse, mental health and/or trauma can impact being an effective parent.
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and strong assessment skills are essential.
• The ability to write clearly, concisely, and professionally is critical.
• Ability to participate in team meetings, monthly interagency meetings, court, and any other child welfare related appointments.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver’s license and ability to use own vehicle when other means of transportation is not available. Must be free from any communicable/infectious diseases. Provide a valid PA child abuse clearance, FBI check and Criminal Background Check.