2024 Family Services Worker

About Upbring

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can't speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About our Foster in Texas (FIT) Program

Upbring Foster In Texas is one of the largest providers of foster care and adoption services in Texas with 13 offices across the state. In 2021 we served 1,176 children, verified 140 new families, and connected 113 children with loving adoptive families. The Upbring heroes on our foster care team connect children with families who provide compassion, safety and support, and when needed, loving forever families.

What You'll Do

The Family Services Worker (FSW) provides case management and direct services to foster care or adoptive children, parents, and their families, including but not limited to individual counseling, prevention, administration, advocacy on behalf of the child, parents, and/or families with social services, the court, police, school, and other medical and mental health providers and professionals in accordance with Agency and licensing standards and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

Work Standards

• Conduct regular home visits and on-going assessments to ensure foster care children and homes remain viable for placement and meet the specific needs of foster care children and families
• Develop a case plan to establish goals using appropriate and necessary resources to maintain placement, minimize risk and provide for the safety of the children
• Follow a formal process for case reviews and informal transfer between agencies and referral sources that appropriately meet the needs of the child, parent, and/or family
• Provide stabilization services (crisis intervention) for foster children, parents, and their families in a timely manner
• her duties and special projects as assigned

Communication

• Obtain needed information and complete regular reports regarding foster care children progress
• Accurately document all relevant and appropriate information related to the child, parents, and/or families in accordance with Agency standards, state licensing requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Assist with child placement and post-placement services, which may include identifying and contacting the appropriate foster parent and coordinating arrangements between the placement agency and the foster home
• Report any serious or significant incidents to the Team Lead or Area Director immediately
• Provide emergency and on-call services when needed

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Provide supportive services and/or other resources for foster care children with emotional, social, behavioral, or mental health needs
• Assess the safety of the child; take the necessary steps (actions) to protect the child if deemed appropriate in accordance with Agency standards and federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Determine action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of the child; arrange for temporary placement in another foster care or group home or treatment facility
• Work closely with management, staff, service providers and professionals, and various local community systems and resources to ensure foster care children, parents, and families are receiving ongoing and services
• Develop and maintain positive and strong working relationships with the Foster Care and Adoption teams and foster care parents and families, while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries always
• Work as team player with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field
• Valid TX driver's license and auto insurance coverage
• At least 21 years of age

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of psychological theory, methods, and ethics
• Ability to establish rapport, trust, and ethical boundaries with service population
• Strong writing skills with the ability to properly and accurately document case notes
• Ability to apply sound judgement when making decisions
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimum supervision
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and prioritize competing tasks
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to apply compassion and empathy, while dealing with stressful and difficult situations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field
• LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, or LPC
• 1-year relevant experience in foster care, child welfare, or adoption
• Bilingual (English and Spanish based on service area and service population)

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services
• Discounted Gym Memberships

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Driving position
• Position works with children and families
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.

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