Family Finding Worker

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Family Finding Worker is responsible for child-specific and family finding recruitment with the goal of permanency for children. The focus of work is to work actively with children and youth in care where permanence is required for safety, security and well-being. This role is intended to have an intensive and short term role with the goals of ensuring a system of supportive adults and identifying a permanent resource committed to the child/youth referred. The incumbent of this position will be responsible for locating relatives, and/or fictive kin, so that to the greatest extent possible, the child and/or youth has the most appropriate supports in their life who can best meet and promote their need for safety, well-being, and permanency.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Through the use of technology, file research, genograms, family research tools and interviews, the Family Finder will seek to find relatives and/or fictive kin to 1) build on existing relationships; 2) promote stability for children and youth; 3) Provide viable options for permanency; 4) enable continuity of relationships between family/community members and the child/youth; 5) Maintain the integrity of children and youth connections to family, fictive kin, and other relevant cultural groups; 6) Engage the extended family in permanency planning earlier in the process of the child/youth coming into care 
• During sessions with the foster family, assists and completes necessary paperwork and assessments with the family to begin the licensing process.  
• In collaboration with the licensing worker, assist the family in obtaining finger printing, physical exams, and other necessary requirements for the licensing process.  
• Assists the family in building respite and/or other natural supports to allow the child/youth to broaden their support system.  
• Conduct thorough reviews of relevant case files to assist in identifying family members or other key people in the child / youth’s natural network who may be options for placement, permanency planning and / or supporting life-long connections.  
• Conduct interviews with a child / youth’s caregiver, relatives, community members or the child / youth themselves to assist in identifying family/fictive kin. Support foster youth in developing meaningful and enduring connections with adults who will support them across their lifespan.   
• Focus efforts to achieving the anticipated outcomes that include increase in reunification rates, improve well-being, and placement stability, transition out of the child welfare system, decrease re-entry rates, and stronger sense of belonging for children.   
• Participate in case conferences, CFTM’s and case supervision.  
• Maintains an accurate record of contact information of parents, family members, fictive kin, service providers, and other resource contacts.  
•  Other duties as assigned  

SKILLS and ABILITIES 

• Possess the experience, personal qualities and practice skills to work effectively with professionals from a variety of disciplines both internally and with other organization. 
• Ability and willingness to adopt the agency practice model, CARE and pass TCI tests. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Must be able to drive independently.  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred. 

High School diploma or GED required. 

A minimum of one year working with children. 

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license 

Must possess and maintain proof of automobile insurance