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SalaryResume and Pre-Interview Questions:
To apply, we ask that you send a resume and responses to pre-interview questions at the following link: https://ampersandfamilies.mysamdb.com/SAM/Usr/PreInterviewQuestionsForm_Edt.aspx. We do not require a cover letter.
Once we receive all materials, Program Directors will review and decide whether to extend first interview offers. You should expect to hear back from us within two weeks. This position will remain open until filled; however, an initial review of resumes will begin on June 6, 2024.
Position Description: The caseload of this position includes relative/kin families who want to be a placement or permanency resource to youth who have just been removed from their parents by child protective services. The Relative/Kin Focused Permanency Specialist’s role involves engaging, assessing, licensing for foster care, and supporting these families until the youth return home to their parents, or through the adoption process if reunification is not possible. The right person for this position has a deep commitment to helping relative/kin families successfully parent children and teens who have experienced trauma. There is potential for the person in this position to have impact on our agency’s continuing advocacy to improve the experience of relatives and Kin in the child welfare system, as well our agency’s ongoing program development. This is a professional position requiring significant amount of self-direction, some irregular hours and occasional travel throughout the state of Minnesota.
Agency Summary:
Ampersand Families provides permanency and adoption services to older youth and families who face barriers to equity in child welfare, and champions systemic changes that advance belonging, dignity and hope.
We are seeking experienced professionals who understand the profound impact that child welfare intervention has on the lives of children, youth and families. A successful candidate for this position will be curious about the many ways permanency work can restore belonging, dignity and hope. An orientation of professionalism and humility that values continuous learning and commitment to give and receive consultation are requirements for successful employment at Ampersand Families. As an organization, Ampersand Families strives to strategically address systemic inequity and barriers to permanency for older youth, youth of color and sibling groups.
Ampersand Families is committed to doing our part to create a more equitable child welfare system. Ampersand Families provides equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic background, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, socio-economic status, status regarding public assistance, political affiliation, veteran status, other non-visible differences, and other protected attributes.
Ampersand Families is proud to be an employer of choice with an organizational culture of excellence that embraces humor, learning and collegial support. We employ professionals who are accountable for learning the skills, building the relationships, and investing the time required to achieve and support real outcomes for youth and families, as well as contribute to excellence in the programs designed to support them.
Primary Duties:
Work closely to engage relatives/kin with the home study, full disclosure, placement and on-going parenting commitment.
Maintain a typical caseload of 10 families at various stages of the process, keeping in contact via phone, email, video calls, and in-person contact, which requires a relationship focused and strength based approach with clients who have faced barriers in navigating systems and process.
Frequent and in-depth consultation with peers to develop strategies, promote creativity and maintain balance in this position which has a potential for high stress and emotional investment.
Build relationships with the other individuals, professionals, and agencies or resource partners involved in the lives of relative families to leverage those relationships to achieve permanency.
Commit to taking time and asking questions in order to develop a deep understanding of the social and systemic influences that contribute to disparities and over-representation of older youth and families of color in the child welfare system.
Permanency Specialists spend much of their time in the field, driving to meet with families. A majority of clients for this position live in the greater metro area, but may live in any part of the state.
Engaged participation during a six-month probation/onboarding period, which will include partnering with more experienced peers in order to develop a deep understanding of the role and the practice orientation of Ampersand Families.
Desired Characteristics and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field required.
Passion for working with families.
Experience working in permanency/adoption/foster care in Minnesota, direct family support and crisis intervention, children’s mental health and/or trauma-informed care preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. This position requires a significant amount of writing, the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into well-written, descriptive documents, and the ability to summarize team communication and case narrative in concise and frequent emails.
Personal and professional commitment to anti-racism work, and understanding of the impact of systemic racism on the lives of youth who end up in the child welfare system. Willingness to engage in difficult, respectful conversations for the purpose of strengthening the organization, the child welfare field and interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
Ability to communicate effectively and develop partnerships with wide range of community members, social service professionals, families and youth.
Ability to be flexible, take personal initiative, and be self-directed while embracing a work environment that demands collegial support and consultation and accountability.
Well-organized, strong attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
Access to reliable transportation.
BCA and social services background check required.
Men and persons of color are particularly encouraged to apply.
Salary: $48,500-$62,000
As part of our commitment to equitable hiring practices, we offer the highest starting salary based on an applicant’s qualifications that the agency is able to pay. Therefore, we do not engage in salary negotiations at hiring. There is a 3% pay increase after successful completion of a 6 month probationary period.
Benefits:
Ampersand Families has a very competitive benefit package, including Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plan, 20 Days of PTO pro-rated for Full-time equivalency (accrued per year; increases with each year of employment), 10 floating holidays plus Juneteenth and Election Day paid holidays, Paid Parental Leave, and Short-term Disability Bank (accrue 5 days/year of service).
Employees are provided with a work laptop, cell phone, and a company credit card. Mileage is reimbursed for travel. All staff receive a budget of $400 yearly for ongoing training and education. Social work licensure supervision (LICSW, LISW, LGSW, LSW) available on-site.
Before accepting an offer, candidate is given an opportunity to meet with current staff to get a further sense of the Agency culture and to ask any questions they may have.
