Job Task Summary
Duties and Responsibilities
Screen, log and refer prospective foster family calls.
Facilitate orientation and interview with prospective foster families.
Process foster family applications within required time frames (references, SLED,
CPS check, medicals, fingerprinting, inspections by Fire Marshal & Dept. of
Health)
Conduct licensing study for foster home applicants at the time of licensure and
relicensure for foster families on your case load.
Notify the applicant(s) in writing if the license is denied or revoked.
Record the licensing study and report results to the Department of Social Services
and the applicant.
Facilitate training events or volunteers as requested.
Visit each foster home on your case load (quarterly or as according to licensing
regulations).
Maintain foster parent files with required documentation and case notes.
Screen child placement calls from referral agencies and community.
Serve as the primary liaison with SC DSS related to requests for placement in
ECH foster care program.
Respond to placement request phone calls. Gather information related to
placement requests to allow for decision. Process resident admissions and do
any required follow-up to gather necessary information from case workers and
other interested parties to assure comprehensive care is provided.
Review the home study assessment and assure appropriate matching is
conducted for the child and foster family.
Maintain accurate intake documentation in all files, accountability records, and
forms.
Build positive, engaged relationships with parents that motivate them for change,
help them identify their strengths and needs, and support family success.
Work with all families in an equitable, culturally-responsive and empowering
manner.
To cooperate with all Epworth staff in order to enhance the mission and ministry
as a whole.
Attend individual and group supervision meetings and trainings as scheduled.
Respond to behavior crises in the resource home as needed.
Communicate regularly with the community service providers to ensure that the
providers are aware of the child’s progress and of any other issues that arise with
the case.
Hold Review Meetings on each resident involving the custodial parent/guardian,
clients, resource families, service providers, and all interdisciplinary team
members.
Maintain regular contact with the custodial parent/guardian and notify the custodial
parent/guardian of medication changes, critical incidents and medical concerns.
Agrees with and adheres to the general principles, ethics and qualifications for
employment as outlined in the staff manual.
Follow direction and guidance of immediate supervisor. Additional duties may be
assigned as needed
Participate as appropriate in the PQI process as assigned.
Extensive driving is required with Epworth reimbursing employee for mileage.
Understands and follows personnel policies and practices as outlined in the ECH
Staff Manual and/or department manuals and in compliance with the SCDSS
foster care and group home regulations as well as those outlined in the Fixed
Price Bid Contract with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, and
the C.A.R.E. practice model.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Investigate, license, monitor and re-license resource family homes.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in a Human Service field or a Bachelor’s degree and one (1)
year experience in working with clients in foster care or an Associate’s Degree
and two (2) years experience in residential child group or foster care or four (4)
years of experience at Epworth.
Prefer a minimum of four (4) years of experience working with children and
families, three (3) of which should be with children in foster care.
Prefer a minimum of one (1) year in a counseling or social worker capacity.
Has a belief system and engages in faith practices that are compatible with those
of the United Methodist Church.
Personal Attributes and Skills
Knowledge of or willingness to learn skills in counseling, case management and
social work.
Demonstrates the ability to learn and to practice teamwork; patient and
compassionate.
Understands and respects the necessity for confidentiality.
Positive and calm presence in all situations.
Organized with an attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills in written and verbal form.
Jobs@epworthsc.org
