Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) Counseling, Adoption, & Foster Care

Position Summary:

Catholic Family Services in Birmingham seeks a compassionate and highly motivated Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) to join our team to provide counseling and coordinate our adoption, foster care, and reunification services. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, a deep understanding of child welfare issues, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse populations. The LCSW must be a team player who shares and participates in the vision and goals of the diocese and Catholic Family Services while following all diocesan and agency policies, procedures, and regulations.

Responsibilities:

Counseling Services:

Provide individual, family, and group therapy to children and families. Address a range of mental health concerns, including trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop and implement individualized treatment plans. Utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family systems therapy. Provide crisis intervention and support to children and families in need. Facilitate support groups for children in foster care, adoptive families, and birth parents.

Adoption Services:

Conduct pre-adoptive home studies and post-placement supervision. Provide support and counseling to prospective adoptive parents. Assist with the development of adoption plans. Participate in adoption court proceedings, as needed. Maintain contact with birth families, as appropriate.

Foster Care Services:

Conduct foster home assessments and provide ongoing support to foster families. Recruit and train new foster parents. Provide case management services to children in foster care. Collaborate with schools, medical providers, and other community agencies. Advocate for the best interests of children in foster care.

Reunification Services:

Develop and implement reunification plans with biological families. Provide support and counseling to birth parents to address identified needs. Monitor family progress and make recommendations for continued services. Facilitate supervised visitation between children and parents.

General Responsibilities:

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all services provided. Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and supervision. Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in social work from an accredited institution. Current and valid LCSW license in the State of Alabama. Commitment to uphold the doctrine and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children and families in a child welfare setting, with a strong preference for experience in adoption and/or foster care. Strong clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience working with diverse populations, including culturally and linguistically diverse families. Knowledge of child welfare laws and the regulations related to adoption and foster care. Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems preferred. Commitment to ethical and culturally competent practice. Maintains up-to-date personal certification for the diocesan Child & Youth Protection training program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with children who have experienced trauma. Experience providing therapeutic interventions to children and families affected by abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood experiences. Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles. Experience working with court systems. Knowledge of attachment theory and its application to adoption

Pay:

$50,995.00 - $63,744.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person