The Human Services Assistant, under general supervision, provides paraprofessional services which will enable families who have children to remain together and to enable those families who have been separated to reunite. This position will strive to help these families become more conscious of safety issues, more self-sufficient, and independent. Observes, interviews and plans family interventions. Consults with families at the office and in their homes. Works in partnership with the social worker assigned case responsibility and the family to identify family strengths and needs. Works along with the family, as well as in conjunction with the social worker and various community resources, to educate the family regarding resources and to counsel them about how to access these resources. Participates in the shared parenting meetings with the social worker, parents, and foster parents, when out-of-home placement is involved. Assists the social worker in assuring the plans set forth are carried through by parents and foster parents. Provides transportation for parents and children who may need such services and who are receiving either in-home or out-of-home services. Provides transportation to and from meetings or treatments the children may be attending, they may also be required to attend/be present in such meetings. Documents all work, which include family contacts, collateral contacts, and contacts with resources and will become a part of the case narrative and an important piece of the planning and Family Services Agreement development. Completes cover letter, stating where children are placed, and an ICPC for out of state home studies done. Trains Life Books classes for our foster parents, to help keep the memories for the foster children, help with child care for adoption team. Attends agency staff meetings, services staff meetings, team meetings, Child and Family Team Meetings, Permanency Outcome Review Team reviews, and weekly unit meetings. Testifies in court at times. Obtains 24 hours of in-service training each calendar year. May have to be flexible with the work schedule to include evening and perhaps some weekend work in order to complete tasks. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and three (3) years working with general public; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Special Requirements:

The Human Services Assistant may have to be flexible with the work schedule to include evening and perhaps some weekend work in order to complete tasks. This position may be subject to a fingerprint background check. Per NC General Statute 153A-94.2(b ), applicants for a position of employment required to work with children in any capacity will be required to electronically submit fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a state and national criminal history record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including, computer, calculators, copiers, telephones, fax machines, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree and may include outdoor activities with the children.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.