Guardianship Specialist

About This Role

This Guardianship Specialist role involves managing cases for children and families, focusing on recruitment and adoption readiness, in compliance with Michigan licensing rules and agency policies. The specialist will assess cases to determine suitability for minor guardianship placements and make recommendations to the court.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases for children and families related to recruitment and adoption readiness
• Conduct thorough assessments on cases to assist the court in determining suitability of minor guardianship placement
• Review criminal and Children’s Protective Services (CPS) history, immunizations, and assess home/living environment for proposed guardians and minor children
• Utilize relative assessment documents designed by DHS and commence within five business days of guardianship assessment referral
• Identify needs concerning the minor and/or guardian and make recommendations to the court
• Maintain regular contact with the court and DHS staff to foster a collaborative approach to service delivery
• Provide written reports to the court regarding suitability of proposed guardians and service recommendations within 45 days of referral
• Appear before the court as needed or ordered to provide testimony
• Report concerns of abuse or neglect to CPS if determined during the assessment process
• Coordinate service activities; identify, locate, and secure resources to assist families
• Facilitate court-ordered services by making referrals within five business days of receiving the order
• Follow up within fifteen days of initial referral to ensure services are being provided and seek remedy if not
• Ensure all families have received court-ordered services by monitoring progress at thirty, sixty, and ninety-day intervals with collateral contacts
• Maintain documentation of periodic monitoring and include reports in case records
• Document and keep records of petition denials and guardianship rescissions with reasons
• Contact families upon completion of services and administer follow-up client surveys
• Accurately utilize tracking system/log for specific assistance/supplies purchased for families, including client signatures
• Conduct court-ordered annual reviews for guardianships of minors under 6 years of age to determine continued suitability
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development and managing bias

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services (social work, sociology, psychology, family ecology, consumer/community services, family studies, family and/or child development, guidance/school counseling, counseling psychology or criminal justice)
• Minimum of one year experience in child welfare/court programs
• Experience and understanding of strengths-based approach
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including non-traditional hours and weekends, with 24/7 accessibility
• Knowledge about the Michigan child welfare system, DHS, and court processes
• Ability to relate to local DHS personnel, courts, and other service providers
• Excellent writing and verbal communication
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in social work, sociology, psychology, family ecology, consumer/community services, family studies, family and/or child development, guidance/school counseling, counseling psychology or criminal justice
• A minimum of one year of experience working in child welfare/court programs

Nice to Have

• Experience in and knowledge of brief, solution-focused therapy