Caregiver Support Case Aide (30 Hours Per Week)

Amara serves the evolving needs of children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system. Centering equity, we advocate for systems change and bridge gaps by providing compassionate wrap-around resources, while helping to reduce trauma and bring healing. Our work helps maintain family and community connections while preventing child welfare involvement when possible.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace enhance our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Case Aide to become an integral and valued part of our Resource Care Team to achieve Amara’s vision. The Case Aide will be responsible for providing behavioral case aide services to a mixed caseload of caregivers and youth as part of the new state Caregiver Support contract supporting children and youth who are placed with foster or kinship caregivers. Caseload and hours will vary with program need and growth. This position is for 30 hours per week. 

Position summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This summary reflects the current expectations for the role; responsibilities will shift as contractual obligations and programmatic needs evolve.

• Review Caregiver Support plans of all assigned cases to ensure case aide plan is understood and implemented
• Provide Case Aide Services to a mixed caseload as assigned and according to each respective Caregiver Support Plan. This may include:
  • Behavioral support that ensures the health, safety, and wellbeing of the youth in their current placement and community
  • Protective Supervision for the youth at all directed times as indicated in child specific services and supervision plans
  • Engage in training and supportive services such as supervision to ensure maintenance and increase of skills needed to work with young people with special needs
  • Positive Behavioral Support which can focus on:
    • Creating a positive and supportive environment – by directly providing that to youth or supporting caregivers in gaining these skills to do so
    • Skill development of the caregiver and/or the youth
    • Ensuring that health care is readily accessed
  • Assess the child and caregiver’s needs for additional services, resources, or community connections or Case Aide services and report back as directed (to Supervisor and/or assigned Caregiver Support Specialist)
  • Support caregiver in monitoring child’s progress toward the child’s service plan
  • Ensure the physical, emotional, and social needs of foster/kinship youth assigned to your caseload are met
  • Support caregiver in accessing resources as needed that they’ve identified through their individualized resource list (including daycare/after school care, medical/dental services, respite care, mental health services, etc.)
  • Assist caregivers and youth in building/maintaining connection to their family and other important individuals in the youth’s life

• Liaise with multiple professionals in the child welfare arena as needed
• Meet requirements for timely, accurate, and thorough documentation for case files and required reporting as directed
• Ensure notifications are provided to primary Caregiver Support Specialist and DCYF Social Services staff as directed by supervisor and contract
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision, and training as directed (including pre-service and annual training)
• Participate in the facilitation of family training and support groups as directed
• Provide occasional on-call services as a member of the on-call team
• Provide coverage for team members at the direction of Caregiver Support Supervisor
• Flex hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis (ask that staff provide at a minimum of one night a week for evening appointments)
• Collaborate with staff in other Amara programs as directed to ensure appropriate cross-program referrals and consistent service delivery.
• Be an active participant on the Resource Care team.
• Serve on internal and external committees as assigned.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:  High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of professional experience working with children and families in social services (e.g. daycare provider, nanny, school aide, CPA, residential program, foster parent, visit supervisor, youth development, etc.); OR an Associate’s Degree and one (1) year of professional experience; OR  BA in Human Services or a related field and six (6) months of documented experience directly working with children and families.

• 1+ year of experience providing healing-centered or trauma informed care (internships and lived experience within the child welfare system can substitute for paid-work experience)
• 1+ year of work experience in child welfare or social services (lived experience can account for up to 2 years of this requirement) 
• Knowledge of child development and family systems, child welfare, child safety, and the needs of families supporting children through transitions and post-permanency 
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and independent judgment
• Ability to work with individuals across the spectrum of age, religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender expressions & identities  
• Ability to work collaboratively with an outstanding professional team, DCYF, Tribal Leadership, and other community providers 
• Ability to confidently navigate complex conversations with staff and families with a respectful and accessible approach
• Ability to comfortably navigate ambiguous situations
• A highly competent team player who is energized by Amara’s mission and the array of expanded services that the organization is providing 
• Strong written and oral communication skills; experience communicating through verbal and written formats with a wide variety of stakeholders while balancing responsiveness, empathy, and directness 
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities, triage tasks, and effectively utilize time with colleagues and with clients
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed by the program and clients 
• Strong familiarity with resources in King and Pierce Counties  
• Must provide proof of current COVID-19 vaccination. 
• First Aid/CPR/BBP Certification 
• Willingness and ability to work at Amara offices and with clients in the field and travel (as needed) to other WA state counties.  
• Valid Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, current auto insurance 
• Must be at least 21 years of age. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position will not directly supervise team members.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a 30 hour per week position with a rate of pay between $28.22-$34.66 hourly, depending on experience.  Amara offers full benefits for staff working 30+ hours per week. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, paid sick leave, a paid holiday closure at years end and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, 401k with a company match, life, disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work schedule with some flexibility to work from home. This position will require some in-person work in our King and Pierce County offices as well as throughout the Puget Sound region. This position requires some evening and weekend work to support client needs.

Criminal Background Check:

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

To Apply:

To express your interest in this position, please send your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters. Applications submitted without a cover letter will NOT be considered. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer.