OCOK CANS Assessor

Description

Position Function: The OCOK CANS Assessor’s primary responsibilities include scheduling, coordinating and conducting the CANS interviews and assessments for each child in care. These may be done virtually or in-person, as per policy. The CANS Assessor will be responsible for tracking and ensuring compliance with time frames as set forth by the Texas Child- Centered (T3C) rate requirements. They will also be responsible for documenting and communicating the CANS assessment results to the child’s permanency and placement teams. 

Education Requirements: A Bachelors Degree is required. A Master’s Degree, preferred . 

Experience Requirements: A minimum of 2 years of experience working in child welfare, with preference given to previous Foster Care, Adoption, Permanency / Conservatorship, and / or Family Based Services. Experience in completing CANS assessments preferred.   

Functional Requirements:

• Strong organizing skills and ability to build inter-agency and intra-agency partnerships.
• Excellent public relations skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse individuals. 
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency staff and other key stakeholders. 
• Ability to work well independently. 
• Strong interpersonal and cognitive skills in analysis, assessment, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively with children and youth with special needs and their families. 
• Sensitivity and competency in relating to individuals and groups of diverse cultural backgrounds. 
• High level of computer competency in Windows environment required and familiarity with search engines and search technology preferred. 
• Valid Driver’s License, auto insurance, reliable transportation and ability to travel. 
• Ability to drive during day and evening hours to various geographic areas. 

Working Conditions: Sitting at computer for long periods of time. The position is sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. 

Exposure to Confidential Information: Maintain confidentiality & follow policies related to personnel records, client records, payroll records, and ACH’s financial records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

• Schedules, coordinates and conducts the CANS assessment interviews in the child’s home, community or via telehealth. Interviews all required participants including the child (when verbal), the child’s permanency worker and caregiver (as applicable) and any other optional parties as deemed appropriate for the situation and need. 
• Conducts the assessment at a location and time which is most convenient for the child and family and may be outside of regular business hours. 
• Arranges formal interpreter services as needed 
• Provides input and recommendations on current policies and processes to the Texas Child-Centered Care implementation team to ensure a smooth transition to the Texas Child-Centered Care System. 
• Documents all case activity as per program requirements. 
• Enters all assessment information into the eCANS web-based application. 
• Documents resulting recommendations in the DFPS IMPACT system.  
• Communicates CANS results to the child’s placement and permanency teams. 
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to OCOK and CPI staff on the goals, use of and outcomes of the CANS assessment. 
• Works to resolve any disputes with agency staff related to the results and recommendations from the CANS assessment 
• Completes CANS annual certification requirements through the Praed Foundation. 
• Integrates information into the CANS assessment from multiple sources by conducting interviews with children and with family/caregivers and incorporating information as appropriate from the referral source, treatment providers, school, rater observations and record reviews. 
• Utilizes a person-centered approach in all processes, including the interviews (i.e. conversational style that is individualized, empathetic and empowering.) 
• Monitors CANS reports to ensure children, youth and young adults are receiving CANS assessments on a determined frequency and within expected timeframes. 
• Prepares various reports as requested 
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff and the community on the CANS assessment, placement policy and procedures. 
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Attends relevant in-service t