West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC) administers foster care services to children and families in Kent County, MI in partnership with Bethany Christian Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett—St. Johns, Samaritas, and Wellspring Lutheran Services. WMPC executes an innovative performance-based funding model through a contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, utilizing a capitated allocation payment mechanism that allows for savings generated from practice and program improvements to be reinvested into the foster care system. WMPC utilizes software that allows for predictive analytics to inform strategy and practice, and to flag cases that are at risk for further review. WMPC’s mission is to empower communities to create better futures for children and families through innovation and collaboration and it does this through its core values of accountable, data-driven, innovative, trauma-informed, tireless collaboration, and social justice.

The Intake and Placement Coordinator will function as part of the Care Coordination team by facilitating the placement of foster care children through WMPC subcontracted providers. Specifically, the Intake and Placement Coordinator will facilitate the Child Placing Network during business hours and on an after-hours rotation. The coordinator will communicate and conduct shelter and residential referrals and placements on behalf of WMPC’s subcontracted providers, maintaining strong relationships with the Regional Placement Unit (RPU) and residential providers. This position is supervised by the Care Coordination Manager. Position is eligible for a $1000 sign on bonus.

JOB DUTIES

• Facilitate (or provide backup for) referral and placement of children with WMPC subcontracted providers (to include the Child Placement Network). Requires collecting relevant information, assessing information provided, and coordinating case transfer meetings between MDHHS Child Protective Services Workers and assigned foster care case manager.
• Provide consultation and corresponding approvals/denials to staff from the subcontracted providers regarding placement breaks, case crises, requests for shelter, and requests for residential.
• Submit all required documentation to contracted Qualified Residential Treatment Program providers; serve as primary contact for residentials facilities.
• Facilitate weekly shelter call with providers and partners.
• Monitor AWOL youth and youth in detention or hospital and provide reports as assigned.
• Participate in utilization management activities relating to residential services.
• Remain knowledgeable of all foster home licensing rules and state policies and procedures related to children in foster care, adoption, and independent living.
• Remain knowledgeable of complex mental health/trauma, medical, safety, and juvenile justice issues that impact children who are placed in foster care.
• Maintain on-call responsibilities for Child Placing Network during business hours; participate in on-call rotation for Child Placing Network and after-hours emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other human service degree with 3 years’ experience working for a child-placing agency required.

Field of Study/Specialty

Social Work, Mental Health, Counseling, Family Studies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child welfare principles/standards, practices, and systems (i.e. foster care, adoption, child placing agency licensing and placement procedures).
• Knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices
• Interpersonal skills necessary to lead and interact with a diverse group of individuals and stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products and web-based applications.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Excellent crisis and stress management skills.