ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission:

Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services:

We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other. 

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Resource Family Social Worker (RFSW)

Employment Classification: Full-Time/ Non-exempt/Hourly - Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm, Weekends, Holidays, as needed

Reports to: Program Manager

Department: Youth Connected Program

Program Summary: 

Youth Connected Program is a foster family agency under the division of Orangewood Foundation dedicated to serving foster youth through an innovative model of care that includes resource homes and an onsite dorm component at Samueli Academy in Santa Ana. 

Position Summary:

The RFSW provides multicultural, multi-ethnic, trauma-responsive supports to a designated foster youth caseload and resource parents, in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards of practice. Coaches’ individual youth, and/or families regarding psychological, behavioral, and/or emotional needs that may be needed. Develops and implements Needs and Services Plan in conjunction with other service providers to meet youth goals. Conducts assessments and/or screenings relevant to the population being served, resource home, and YCP FFA. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of a Program Manager.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Provides face to face monthly dorm/ in-home visits and interventions to youth and their resource families utilizing a skill based, solution focused model to help families adopt positive solutions to problems through the teaching of skills and behavioral techniques by accessing community resources and support.
• Utilize diagnostic and assessment procedures as appropriate. May include but not limited to clinical assessments like Biopsychosocial, Mental Status Exam, and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine youth’s eligibility and success in program.
• Implements assessments into Needs and Service Plan (NSP) and concurrent planning to align with permanency plan and individual diagnosis as defined by law and best practice. Implement appropriate procedures using the agency preferred risk and safety assessment tools.
• Provides individual and group training/ counseling for interventions to youth and resource families to support and maintain placement. 
• Develops and maintains effective working/professional relationships with families and with community service resources, including medical professionals, public welfare personnel, lawyers, therapists, law enforcement staff, school officials, neighbors, and religious and youth organization representatives utilizing referral sources as necessary.
• Participates in interdisciplinary treatment planning (e.g. IEP, 504, Wraparound, etc.). Also coordinates and leads internal Child and Family Team Meetings (CFT) to ensure team aligns with youth’s goals and progress. 
• Prepares and submits timely and accurate case management, service and treatment planning reports, notes, SIR’s, comprehensive assessments, and other required documentation, as defined by the program.
• Maintains assigned case records up to date and in compliance to be ready for internal and external audits.
• Reports accurately critical or unusual incidents involving resource families, youth, staff, or the program, according to standard reporting guidelines.
• Provides support to staff in dorm setting, with coverage and activities as needed. 
• Assists youth to obtain independent living skills and assessing and implementing goals.
• Provides transportation for youth to and from appointments (e.g., medical, dental, therapeutic, court, etc.) as needed in a smoke free environment.
• Other duties as assigned by program leadership.

Acts as a liaison for consumers, outside agencies, and internal personnel including, but not limited to the following:

• Ensures client-centered, trauma-informed service planning, including effective advocacy and collaboration with coworkers and members of the Child and Family Team.
• Communicates with supervisor on youth strategies, behaviors, and progress.
• Prepare timely and accurate documentation.

Serves as a role model in carrying out the Orangewood Foundation mission including, but not limited to the following:

• Creates atmosphere of enthusiasm and commitment.
• Directs all actions to reflect the values: respect, empathy, inclusion, advocacy.
• Executes Orangewood Foundation policies and procedures.
• Communicates directly with internal and/or external customers to assure proper resolution of concerns and satisfaction of inquiries, and speaking positively of Orangewood Foundation decisions, processes, and programs to other staff and outside consumers.
• Establishes and maintains an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence, and ethical behavior and does not participate in gossip.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age based on contract requirements
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Social Welfare, Social Psychology, or a related field required
• Experience working with foster youth and a Foster Family Agency (FFA) and/or residential setting preferred. 
• Ability to fluently read, write, and speak English, bilingual Spanish highly preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible hours in order to assist the program with youth and activities. – Due to the innovative structure of the FFA, some in-home visits may have to take place on weekends, holidays, and/or after hours. 
• Demonstrated public speaking and training skills with strong interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the foster care system and the needs of youth in care or child welfare.
• Makes sound and timely decisions under pressure. Recognizes what is most suitable in particular situations. 
• Effectively makes decisions in non-standard situations. 
• Exhibits independence, decisiveness and responsibility.  
• Ability to work under pressure, manage and meet deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building and screening skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours in order to assist the program
• Must be highly motivated and able to take initiative
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent computer, typing, and Microsoft Office software skills and the ability to effectively use database systems to perform the essential job functions
• Pass a medical examination, including TB clearance
• Maintain certification in Nonviolence Crisis Intervention, First Aid/CPR and other program required trainings.
• Use personal vehicle for travel 
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ/CACI fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. 
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Passionate about expanding safe, supportive foster homes for youth.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with youth.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• This role is an in-office role with expected in-person presence in the office and in the field. 
• Travel throughout the community is expected for youth appointments and meetings.
• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). 
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Benefits:

• Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA 
• Delta Dental 
• Vision (EyeMed Network) 
• FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included) 
• EAP – through Umum & Headspace 
• Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness 
• Pet Insurance 
• 403b with company match 
• Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits:

• 5 Sick Days per year 
• Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year 
• Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period 
• 13 Company Paid Holidays 

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.