This position is located in the Planning, Policy, Program Support, and Licensing Administration (PPPSLA), Office of the Deputy Director for Planning, Policy, and Program Support (ODDPPPS), Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). The primary purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive clinical assessment of prospective resource parents in the District of Columbia and make recommendations for their licenses in compliance with the applicable federal and District laws and regulations, and agency guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Social Worker (Foster Care Licensing) duties and responsibilities include:
- Completes home studies, including home visits, obtaining child protection registry and police clearances and performs other tasks in compliance with pertinent Federal and District laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures.
- Prepares a written home study, clinical assessment, and recommendations regarding the appropriateness of PRPs to provide foster care and submits recommendations for approval and licensure of foster and/or adoptive homes.
- Attends licensing workshop during pre-service training and informs prospective resource parents (PRPs) of all documents and requirements to be fulfilled to become licensed. Reviews all documents and information collected from PRPs and from collateral sources such as references, schools, medical reports, courts, police, employers, and other social services agencies. Conducts clinical assessments of PRPs to determine their strengths/needs and appropriateness to provide foster care. Interviews and observes interactions, both verbal and non-verbal, between immediate and extended family members and significant others.
- Maintains statistical data, to provide an accurate account of the number of clients served and the number and types of activities performed.
- Maintains up to date case files for documentation of case activity. Completes all licensing work and documentation in the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) called Stronger Together Against Abuse and Neglect in DC (STAAND).
- Participates in supervisory conferences, individually and with social workers for the purpose of case planning, sharing information on resources, and joint decision-making.
- Participates in educational and training activities, professional meetings, conferences, and seminars to keep abreast of the latest changes in the field of social work.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Education
Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Grade 11 – Must possess at least one year of specialized and directly related professional experience equivalent to grade 09 level in the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that equipped the individual with the thorough knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position including, but are not limited to, attending and/or representing the CFSA at administrative reviews, court hearings, and other meetings; coordinating the implementation of court orders; assisting in determining the appropriateness of established goals, services, and/or permanency planning based on the status findings.
Grade 12 - Must possess at least one year of specialized and directly related professional experience equivalent to grade 11 level in the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that equipped the individual with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position including, but are not limited to, representing the CFSA at administrative reviews, court hearings, and other meetings; coordinating the implementation of court orders; determining the appropriateness of established goals, services and/or permanency planning based on the status findings.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand Spanish, and to provide interpretation and document translation in order to license Spanish speaking resource parents is highly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
Grade 11: Required to be a current D.C. Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) or a D.C. Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) to practice social work in the District of Columbia.
Grade 12: Required to be a current D.C. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) to practice social work in the District of Columbia.
- All grades require a valid driver’s license.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, and extreme heat. Exposure to unsanitary conditions, e.g., spoiled foods, feces, urine, and disease. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Other Significant Factors
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. May be required to work on weekends and holidays Qualified Candidates must be flexible when it comes to tour of duty.
Promotion Potential: Yes
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit.
Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Regular
Pay, Plan, Series & Grade: DS-0185-11/12
Position Designation: This position is designated as “protection” sensitive per DPM Chapter 4, Suitability. The candidate/incumbent is subject to a criminal background check, traffic records check (as applicable), pre-employment drug and alcohol test, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test, and return-to-duty and follow-up drug and alcohol test.
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Closing Statement: Official Job Offers are made by D.C. Child and Family Services Agency's Human Resources Only.
