Social Worker
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE NAT
Summary
The Social Worker for LSSNCA Foster Care is responsible for the coordination of services and care for children in foster care and their families involved in the District of Columbia child welfare system. The Social Worker monitors and ensures the safety and overall well-being of clients and families served, makes both formal and informal assessments of clients served in order to develop a permanency plan to ensure timely permanency is achieved.
Job description
Essential Functions
- Provide bi-monthly visits to children residing in foster homes or birth family homes and additional visits as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of youth on their caseload.
- Ensure that children's physical, medical, educational and therapeutic service needs are appropriately met.
- Ensure that each child has an appropriate permanency plan and that every team member is working together to reach the permanency goal.
- Conduct family assessments to develop individual/family case plans and treatment plans based on the needs of the child and family.
- Write court reports and make verbal presentations in court.
- Ensure that all court orders are met.
- Ensure appropriate referrals are made for the youth and birth family regarding mental health, medical, educational and placement stability.
- Ensure that the birth families' needs are being met and that the children are visiting when appropriate.
- Ensure that all documentation in FACES is accurate and timely.
- Facilitate team meetings quarterly in conjunction with biological family, foster parents, services providers, legal team and child in order to develop and update individualized treatment plans and quarterly staffing plans for all youth on caseload.
- Assist foster parents with in-home implementation of individualized treatment plans and provide crisis intervention services as needed.
- Through regular home visits, ensures that all contracted services are provided according to treatment/case plan in collaboration with the foster parent.
- Maintain regular communication with interdisciplinary team members and provide updates on progress of the case.
- Complete appropriate documentation and ensure that case records are complete and in compliance with COMAR Regulations.
- Include evening hours as necessary to conduct home visits.
- Complete a minimum of 30 in service training hours annually in order to stay in compliance with CFSA regulations and stay current with Child Welfare practice.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Knowledge or understanding of child welfare systems and guidance
- Master's degree (MSW) from an accredited college or university; licensed to practice social work in DC & MD
- Culturally competent: experience with different cultures, religions, and nationalities.
- Experience in family therapy and/or trauma informed therapy.
- Must have reliable and accessible transportation
- Valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.
- Required to pass to child protection clearances, federal and state criminal histories.
- Required to pass background and drug screen, and TB test
Preferred Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
- Experienced in data collection systems
- Ability to manage time well.
- Ability to work independently and in a group.
Requirements
- Knowledge or understanding of child welfare systems and guidance
- Master's degree (MSW) from an accredited college or university
- Licensed to practice social work in DC & MD
- Culturally competent: experience with different cultures, religions, and nationalities
- Experience in family therapy and/or trauma informed therapy
- Must have reliable and accessible transportation
- Valid driver's license and vehicle insurance
- Required to pass child protection clearances, federal and state criminal histories
- Required to pass background and drug screen, and TB test
Company overview
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive social services and community support throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. As part of the nationwide Lutheran Services in America network, this organization focuses on addressing critical human needs through a variety of programs including refugee resettlement, immigration services, housing assistance, food security initiatives, and family support services. The organization operates with a mission to serve vulnerable populations regardless of religious affiliation, offering compassionate care and practical assistance to individuals and families facing economic hardship, displacement, or other life challenges. With deep roots in the Lutheran tradition of social ministry, LSSNCA collaborates with community partners, government agencies, and faith communities to create sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation and community development. Their work encompasses both immediate crisis intervention and long-term capacity building, emphasizing dignity, respect, and empowerment for all those they serve in the diverse National Capital Area.