Caregiver Support Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This summary reflects the current expectations for the role; responsibilities will shift as contractual obligations and programmatic needs evolve.

• Provide Caregiver Support Services to caseload as assigned. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Develop Caregiver Support plans with every assigned caregiver for each placed youth in their care. Collaborate with caregiver and DCYF Social Service Specialist in this development
  • Support caregiver in monitoring childs progress toward the childs service plan
  • Assess for the child and caregivers needs for additional services resources or community connections and coordinate referrals for those services (cultural wellbeing and educational)
  • Assess and support youth and families in accessing necessary Case Aide Services and as directed and when caseload allows
  • Ensure the physical emotional and social needs of foster/kinship youth assigned to your caseload are met
  • Support caregiver in creating an individualized resource list (including daycare/after school care medical/dental services respite care cultural supports mental health services etc.)
  • Assist caregivers and youth in building/maintaining connection to their family and other important individuals in the youths life
  • Provide caregiver(s) with resources and skills training to increase their child/youthspecific parenting skills (including behavior management culturally relevant connections/practices independent life skills etc.)
  • Assist with the creation and implementation of childspecific supervision plans as needed

• Liaise with multiple professionals in the child welfare arena 
• Meet requirements for timely accurate and thorough documentation for case files and required reporting as directed
• Attend and participate in staff meetings supervision and training as directed
• Participate in the facilitation of family training and support groups as directed
• Provide occasional oncall services as a member of the oncall team
• Provide coverage for team members at the direction of Caregiver Support Program Manager
• Flex hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis (ask that staff provide at a minimum of one night a week for evening appointments)
• Collaborate with staff in other Amara programs as directed to ensure appropriate crossprogram referrals and consistent service delivery.
• Be an active participant on the Resource Care team.
• Represent Amara in community and coalition meetings events partner and donor meetings as directed by Caregiver Support Program Manager.
• Serve on internal and external committees as assigned.

Qualifications :

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A masters degree or bachelors degree in social services or a closely related field or 5 years fulltime documented experience working with children or youth in a variety of settings is required.
• 1 year of experience providing healingcentered or trauma informed care (internships and lived experience within the child welfare system can substitute for paidwork experience)
• 1 year of work experience in child welfare or social services (lived experience can account for this requirement) 
• Knowledge of child development and family systems child welfare foster care guardianship adoption and the needs of families supporting children through transitions and postpermanency 
• Ability to demonstrate initiative discretion maturity flexibility critical thinking skills and independent judgment
• Ability to work with individuals across the spectrum of age religion race culture socioeconomic status sexual orientation and gender expressions & identities  
• Ability to workcollaborativelywith an outstanding professional team DCYF Tribal Leadership and other community providers 
• Ability to confidently navigate complex conversations with staff and families with a respectful and accessible approach
• Ability to comfortably navigate ambiguous situations
• A highly competent team player who is energized by Amaras mission and the array of expanded services that the organization is providing 
• Strong written and oral communication skills; experience communicating through verbal and written formats with a wide variety of stakeholders while balancing responsiveness empathy and directness 
• Ability to flex hours to accommodate client and staff needs on an occasional basis and successfully manage competing priorities triage tasks and effectively utilize time with colleagues and with clients 
• Strong familiarity with resources in King and Pierce Counties  
• Must provide proof of current COVID19 vaccination. 
• First Aid/CPR/BBP Certification 
• Willingness and ability to work at Amara offices and travel as needed to other WA state counties.  
• Valid Drivers License reliable vehicle current auto insurance 
• Must be at least 21 years of age. 

Education: A masters degree or bachelors degree in social services or a closely related field or 5 years fulltime documented experience working with children or youth in a variety of settings is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position will not directly supervise team members.

Additional Information :

Salary and Benefits

This is a fulltime position with an hourly rate of pay between $27.4033.65/hour ($57000$69999 annually) depending on experience. The final salary offer will be commensurate with the selected candidates experience qualifications and demonstrated abilities. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays 4 personal days sick leave and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health dental and vision insurance rates a 401k with a company match life disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work schedule with some flexibility to work from home. 

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position please submit your resume and onepage cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will NOT be considered. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime