The Relative engagement Specialist is responsible for identifying relatives as well as other supportive adults to help build and maintain a network for all youth who are disconnected or at risk of disconnection through placement outside of their home and community.   To be successful in this position, the Relative Engagement Specialist shall exhibit strong customer service skills with an ability to be outgoing, energetic and passionate.

Annual Salary Range: $44,000.00 - $50,600.00

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you’ve got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we’ve got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

• CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

• Investigates and problem solves to identify family members/supportive adults while using a strengths-based approach.
• Prepares members/potential supportive adults by determining their cultural and language needs, transportation needs and confidentiality and safety issues.
• Collaborates with the foster care and licensing teams to create plans for ongoing rapport building activities between the youth and the family members and/or potential supportive adults.
• Collaborates with the foster care and licensing teams to ensure a transition plan is developed for the youth if placement is recommended.
• Maintains a sense of urgency throughout the process and motivates the team toward proactive action.
• Proactively identifies possible barriers and works with the team to collectively problem-solve and monitor possible solutions.
• Enters all Relative Engagement contacts in accordance with Foster Care policy in the Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System.
• Updates the shared list of relatives and genograms as needed for each case once family finding is complete at case onset.
• Builds relationships with biological and foster/adoptive families to support safe and sustainable placements and connections for children in care.
• Locates, tracks, and assesses relatives, fictive kin, or other significant adults for foster youth.
• Collaborates with the Family Finding Specialist.
• Assists in training Pressley Ridge and provides other training to foster parents.
• Attends supervision and staff meetings.
• Will assist with Child Welfare (Foster Care, Adoption, EFC, etc.) related functions/crisis as needed.
• Participates in Day-in and Call-out rotation process.
• Performs other special assignments at supervisor’s request

• Knowledge of computer systems and relevant software.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, a customer service-oriented position.
• Ability to make appropriate assessments and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain records and collect and evaluate client data.
• Ability to work with community organizations and use community resources to meet client needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• This position requires reliable transportation. 
• Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license, good driving record with zero work restrictions, and personal auto insurance as required by law. 
• Must be willing to work irregular hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Must submit to the Agency approved background checks.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services (or a related field) from a four‑year college or university.

Experience:

• A minimum of one-year prior work experience in child welfare or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of one year of prior lived experience with the child welfare system is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

none required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values

• Sanctity of All Life
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Equity

CCWM is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.