Position Summary The Intake and Placement Specialist will require specialized knowledge in placement of children to obtain appropriate placement into Child Placing Agencies, Emergency Shelters, General Residential Operations and Residential Treatment Centers. This work involves coordinating placement within the region and/or state for children who have basic, moderate, specialized, and intense level of care. Work involves reviewing placement applications for sufficiency and quality of information. The position interacts with Case Managers and placement providers to identify suitable placement options. Responsibilities Support/Service Delivery Provides program and agency information and/or makes referrals to other community resources. Identifies providers that are able to meet the needs of each child when locating a placement. Uses tools provided and training to determine the needs of the child/youth and makes appropriate referrals for placement. Examines Minimum Standards for various types of placement resources. Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them. Researches solutions to technical or service-related issues and seeks guidance from mentors. Follows up with everyone concerned to inform them of the solution or to provide an update on how the problem is being addressed and handled. Processes, assesses, and assigns incoming referrals. Participates in on-call rotation and duties by responding to on-call notifications and phone calls accordingly. Effectively uses work Outlook Calendar as instructed by supervisor/director to reflect daily and weekly tasks. Ability to work independently to meet placement deadlines and job performance. Independently assess and prioritize tasks to manage time. Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties (i.e. typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, relaying messages, etc.). Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or director. Quality Improvement Offers new ideas and/or ways to streamline processes to better serve communities and the organization overall. Communication Establishes and maintains appropriate rapport with all clients, families, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization. Growth Assures continuous professional growth and development by: Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth. Supervision Receive supervision. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters. Leadership Provides solution focused input, is positive, supportive, respectful and engaged with the team. Acknowledges and values the contribution of team members. Is resourceful and embraces tactical creativity to overcome challenging tasks and difficult situations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts. Community Engagement Works collaboratively with other systems (education, health and justice systems) to improve outcomes for the child/youth and family. Engages with Youth for Tomorrow for levels of care to meet children's needs while in placement. Interacts with children, clients, families and communities in a way that reflects commitment from the organization to create and maintain a strong collaborative relationship. Documentation Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.). Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems. Finance/Budget Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation. Adheres to deadlines for expense reports. Risk Management and Safety Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established by the organization. Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws. Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed. Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation. Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date. Attends and participates in all required trainings.

Qualifications Education/Credentials/Licensure:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited school required or; In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an Associate's degree from an accredited school plus two (2) years of relevant work experience or; 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant work experience or; 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Valid state driver's license and safe driving record. Reliable transportation and current auto insurance.

Experience:

Requires one (1) year experience Child Placement Experience. Examples of relevant work experience are in social, human, or protective services including paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Clearances:

DPS DFPS FBI CBCU

Eligibility Determination Child Abuse Clearances Working Conditions Physical Demands This position requires operating a keypad device 75% of the day and electronic/office equipment 25% of the day. Frequent travel in and out of the state of Texas may be required daily along with travel by plane and may include travel in weather conditions - 20%. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 25% of the day. Standing occurs 25% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts under 25 pounds. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Mental Demands Occasionally performs multiple tasks and makes quick decisions. Continually need to concentrate. Occasionally handles distractions and a diversity of problems. Environmental Factors Environmental factors require this position in home and office. Working Hours This position works a non-traditional schedule that can vary based on client and department needs. Participates in the on-call rotation. Experience Required 2 year(s): Associate's level experience in child placement. Examples of relevant work experience may be social, human, or protective services including paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Preferred 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant work experience. 1 year(s): Bachelor's level experience in child placement. Examples of relevant work experience may be social, human, or protective services including paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Education Required Associates or better Preferred Bachelors or better Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.