Executive Director 

 Arizona continues to be one of America’s most dangerous states for children, a recent study has confirmed. The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Arizona Children’s Action Alliance released their annual comparison of conditions for children under the age of 19. Arizona was ranked 39th in terms of child health and safety. It ranked in the lower half of every indicator the study tracked.

 The results were particularly troubling in categories that connected two of our state’s more perplexing challenges: poverty and education.

 For example, when studying the percentage of children living with parents who did not hold fulltime jobs, Arizona ranked 33^rd among the 50 states.

•  The percentage of children below the poverty line placed Arizona 38th.
•  The percentage of 16-to-19-year-olds who are high school dropouts placed Arizona 44th.  
• The teen birth rate for girls 15-19 placed Arizona 45th.
•  The percentage of 16-to-19-year-olds who are neither working nor attending school placed Arizona 45th.
•  The percentage of children without health insurance placed Arizona 46th. 

 I don’t think any of these things surprise us. For many years, Arizona has ranked near the bottom of most national studies dealing with the health and well-being of kids. But this year’s study reminds us we all have plenty of work ahead of us.

 In case you are wondering, the three safest states for children were New Hampshire, Minnesota and Vermont. The three states ranking lowest were Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

 To read more about the 2010 Kids Count Data Book, go to http://datacenter.kidscount.org/databook/2010/?cmpid=18http://www.azchildren.org/

 JOB IDENTIFICATION

            JOB TITLE: Team Lead, Care Coordination
            PROGRAM:  Behavioral Health Services
            DEPARTMENT:  Behavioral Health Services
            FLSA CATEGORY:  Exempt
            REPORT TO:  Clinical Director
            WRITTEN BY:  Director, Behavioral Health
            APPROVED BY:  Executive Director
            DATE REVIEWED:  January 2010

JOB SUMMARY:

The Team Lead is responsible for the supervision of Care Coordinators as well as the coordination of behavioral health services for children and their families who have complex psychosocial needs. The position provides assessment, crisis intervention, individual, family and group services to children, youth, and families.  The Team Lead facilitates Child & Family Teams and engages members and their families in recovery oriented treatment planning. The Team Lead will carry a reduced caseload and is also responsible for the leadership and supervision of at least three Case Managers. The Team Lead will model strong clinical decision making for staff and support staff in managing service delivery and reporting demands in the behavioral health system. The position will be required to maintain accurate and timely clinical service records, prepare and provide accurate reports; and submit data in an accurate and timely manner. Flexible hours and rotating on-call coverage will be required in order to support family and agency needs.

 AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Adheres to agency Policies & Procedures
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency
• Maintains a positive and respectful manner with all contacts
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about department/group issues
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Meets department productivity standards

 QUALIFICATION:

• Must be 21 years of age (licensing requirement).
• A Behavioral Health Professional licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy or Substance Abuse.
• 2 years experience in child welfare or behavioral health.
• Must be computer literate with knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel) and ability to learn new electronic health records software systems.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients homes and/or other relevant organizations/agencies.
• Must qualify for Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance.
• Possess a valid Arizona driver license and be insurable under the agency automobile policy.
• Bilingual abilities a plus.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of human development and family life cycle in children and families. 
• Knowledge of DSM-IV.
• Ability to lead others and set a positive tone for staff support and communication.
• Knowledge of managed care systems, CPSA systems, and AHCCCS/Title XIX medical Assistance screening.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must be organized and able to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be organized with the ability to take direction, prioritize tasks, multi-task, and work independently.
• Must be able to meet training and agency compliance requirements for the position.
• Ability to apply imagination and creativity to job duties and responsibilities.
• Must have ability to maintain confidentiality, and consistently exercise discretion and judgment.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership and supervision to a team of Care Coordinators that serve children, youth and families enrolled for services in the behavioral health system.
• Responsible for modeling strong clinical skills and supporting others on the team in their clinical practice with children, youth and families.
• Participate in the leadership team of the Behavioral Health division and support a work environment that offers exceptional service to members and community partners.
• Engages members and their families or legal guardians in service planning to meet the needs of children enrolled in the behavioral health system.
• Provides assessment, crisis intervention, individual, family and group services to children, youth and families. Identifies needs with families and completes service plan with member and family/guardian.
• Facilitates Child & Family Teams to review service needs, treatment planning progress, goal attainment and utilization of services and natural supports.
• Responsible for the coordination of a comprehensive array of services as well as the accompanying referral and administrative requirements for that service delivery.
• Provides positive, pro-active communication to other system partners related to care coordination needs.
  Attends and participates in team meetings.
  Participates in ongoing program planning and development.
• Maintains client records in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements.
• Provides complete documentation that accurately reflects services delivered in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements.
  Performs other duties as assigned, which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.

Essential Duties:

• Program and staff supervision.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and therapeutic oversight of clinical supports and interventions to team of Behavioral Health Technicians.
• Participate in a positive, pro-active manner in program development and problem resolution.
• Conducts thorough and ongoing child/family strengths and needs assessments, utilizing the program specific protocol.
• Develops and implements successful behavior management techniques specific to the family’s needs.
• Provides effective crisis management and therapeutic services.
• Designs “behavioral contracts” with clients and families as necessary.
• Conducts educational activities that promote client understanding of treatment issues.
• Interfaces with Child Protective Services, the courts and other partners regarding child well-being, family stability and case planning.
• Plans for client discharge/termination, including helping the family plan and prepare.
• Links families to community resources.
• Maintains clinical records in a timely manner following agency standards.
• Is available to work after hours, weekends and on-call on a rotating basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.
• Must drive and/or transport clients on behalf of Casa de los Niños.
• Maintains timely progress notes that reflect movement towards client goals.
• Provides or arranges for transportation of clients to appointments as necessary.
• Must drive on behalf of the agency

 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 Mental Requirements

• Ability to effectively communicate
• Ability to interact well with various levels of staff and with guests of Casa de los Niños
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret complex information
• Ability to learn automated electronic medical record system for record-keeping
• Ability to coach and mentor supervised staff

 Physical Requirements

• Active environment with visits to homes, schools, and community-based agencies.
• Must be able to climb stairs and move throughout facility/home.
• Frequent to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.).
• Moderate reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling or crouching.

 OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

 Relationships

The Team Lead is directly supervised by the Clinical Director; however the majority of the work is conducted independent of supervision.

 Working Conditions

The working conditions of the Team Lead vary greatly, due to the nature of in-home work.  Most of the time is spent traveling to and working in clients home.  The Team Lead may be exposed to any environmental or situational hazards that may occur in homes.  The remainder of the time is spent working in the office or in meetings at other agencies.

 Level of Supervision

The Team Lead has a medium level of supervision while on the job.  Due to the Team Lead responsibility to regulatory requirements, frequent communication will occur with administrative leadership. The Team Lead is alone when meeting clients in the community.  There is a safety check-in with the Clinical Director at the end of the workday.  The Team lead meets with the Clinical Director once a week for formal supervision and case staffing, and consults with the Director, Behavioral Health about cases or systems issues as needed.

Executive Director

We held an all-staff meeting the other day and it brought home a couple of things we knew but hadn’t fully digested yet. One, there are a lot of us now: Casa de los Niños has more than 200 employees. Two, when we asked our newcomers to raise a hand … well, a lot of hands sure went up!

Both things illustrate how much we have changed in the last 12 months.

Since June of 2009 we have launched three major new programs. We were able to revive a Family Visitation program that had been abandoned due to a lack of funding. And the best news of all? During the next 12 months we will help more than 4,500 Tucson children.

All in all, we are stronger than we were one year ago. And our ability to swim upstream – when so many currents were pushing against us – is a great tribute to our staff members, volunteers, board members and donors.

There is a cliché that goes, “If you aren’t moving forward you are falling behind.” At Casa de los Niños, we think it’s true. We are always looking for new needs, new opportunities. We found some big ones in 2009-10:

Raising Healthy Kids – Late last summer, we opened a program that offers in-home support to help at-risk parents raise young children. Funded by First Things First, this new effort served 150 families its first year.

Nurse-Family Partnership – Another important program funded by First Things First, our Nurse-Family Partnership team went to work last fall. Our nurses make in-home visits to at-risk, first-time pregnant moms. We help them deliver healthy babies. We then care for mother and child until the baby turns 2. Today we are helping 95 women … and 20 babies!

Behavioral Health Services – In partnership with three other agencies, we opened the doors at Casa de los Niños Behavioral Health Services in March. Our focus will be to provide behavioral health services to foster children and former foster children under the age of 22. By next summer, this will be the largest program we have.

When Sister Kathleen Clark opened Casa de los Niños in 1973, she was determined to help abused children. Today, we are actively involved in a number of efforts designed to prevent child abuse before it begins. We are helping abused and neglected kids in ways she never could have imagined.

I think she would be proud of us. I know that I am.

 JOB IDENTIFICATION

JOB TITLE:  Staff Nurse
DEPARTMENT:  Child & Family Services/Medical Department
WAGE CATEGORY: Non-Exempt
REPORT TO:  Director of Child and Family Services
WRITTEN BY:  Rosie Dyer
APPROVED BY: Velma Cooper
DATE REVIEWED: January 2010                 

Job Summary:

The Staff Nurse serves as the primary provider for the direct medical care for the children in the shelter.  This position triages and coordinates the medical care and services for the children in the residence. 

Job specifications:  The position requires an Arizona Nursing License either as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse with experience in Community Health and/or Maternal Child is preferred.  The position also requires current CPR Certification, Blood Born Pathogen training, and a current Arizona Drivers License.  The ability to communicate in a professional manner with other staff members, health care providers, community professionals, and families is essential.  The physical demands of the job require a moderate amount of physical lifting, bending, standing, and walking.

Essential Duties: The Staff Nurse is responsible for following the policies and procedures outlined in the Medical Manual for the health care management of the well child as well as the sick and injured child.  Following are specific areas of responsibility:

1. Ability and attitude to work and respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
2. Ability and attitude to work in a respectful and professional manner at all times.
3. Connect emotionally with the children on admission.
4. Screen for obvious signs of injury, contagious disease, illness, and infestations.
5. Perform physical exams and assessments.
6. Assess and treating children’s illness and injuries.
7. Administer medications, immunizations, hearing evaluations, and treatments as ordered by physicians and according to the Medical Procedure Manual.
8. Assist in gathering medical and immunization information from families, caseworkers, and other facilities.
9. Assist with Employee Health related requirements; i.e. health screening exams, immunizations, TB testing, etc.
10. Maintain accurate record keeping and documentation.
11. Maintain professional and agency licensing standards.
12. Assist in scheduling and arranging transportation for appointments and evaluations.
13. Participate in multidisciplinary staffings and the development of specific care plans when needed.
14. Provide education and specific health care information for staff, case managers, families, and other medical professionals in the community throughout the admission as well as specific teaching at the time of discharge.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE:  The Staff Nurse is responsible to perform those duties as outlined under essential duties in the Staff Nurse job description.  The Staff Nurse must maintain compliance with the State Nursing Standards of Practice as well as other licensing and accreditation standards.  The Staff Nurse follows the guidelines outlined in the Protocols from the Academy of Pediatrics.

 OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Relationships: The Staff Nurse works closely with the Supervisor of Medical Services and the rest of the medical, social work, and child care staff.  This position also interacts with the contracted therapists and other disciplines in the community.

Authority:  The Staff Nurse’s authority is under the supervision of the Supervisor of Medical Services, the Medical Director and the physician involved in the child’s care.  The State Nursing License Board guides the standard of practice for licensed nurses. 

Working Conditions:  The working conditions for the Staff Nurse involves the potential for exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, body fluids including blood, and the potential for needle sticks.  The Staff Nurse needs an environment that allows for the physical and emotional care of sick and injured children as well as appropriate areas for accurate documentation and record keeping. 

Level of Supervision:  A moderate level of supervision is required for this position with frequent interaction with the Supervisor of Medical Services.

Executive Director

The voters have spoken, and we would like to say something too: ”Thank You Tucson!” In numbers that proved overwhelming, voters throughout Arizona endorsed the passage of Proposition 100. We agreed to raise our state sales tax 1% for the next three years. The additional revenue will be used to help our schools and human service providers.  And with this loud, vocal statement we reminded the nation that despite recent evidence to the contrary most Arizonans actually do have clear heads and caring hearts. 

 In my opinion, passage of Proposition 100 was critical to the future of Arizona. It is comforting to know so many Arizonans agreed.   

 I understand that the issues were complex, and that well-meaning citizens could be found on both sides of the debate. The state is facing huge budget deficits. I get that. To balance the budget, we must (a) reduce spending, (b) increase revenue, or (c) do both.  

 What I couldn’t understand is why the state legislature had refused to consider measures that would increase revenue. Instead, it had made – and was preparing to make more – massive cuts in funding for public education, public health and programs designed to help vulnerable children and older adults.

Fortunately for children and families, the voters said “enough is enough.” No one could have predicted the landslide that took place at the polls last week. Almost two-thirds of all voters voted “yes” on Proposition 100. The measure carried in every county except one: Mojave County. And here is an interesting fact:  it appeared to cross party lines. 

Our legislature appears badly fractured by the polarization of politics. Last Tuesday, when given the chance to speak for themselves, our citizens spoke with one unified voice. Consider this: In Phoenix, that hotbed of conversatism, Proposition 100 was approved by 66% of the voters. Here in Tucson, a “liberal” place, the measure was approved by 64% of the voters. Who knew? 

Today we can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. If nothing else, we know the people of our state do not want to to abandon our students, families or older citizens. 

Here at Casa de los Ninos, we worry about these issues every day. It’s comforting to know so many neighbors are behind us.

On behalf of the children, Thank you Tucson!  Thank you Arizona!

Executive Director

Sadly, child abuse was Page One news again recently. A front-page story in the Arizona Daily Star reported that the mother of a 6-week-old girl had been sentenced to life in prison for starving her baby to death.

 Such stories are chilling, obviously, but only the most outrageous cases reach the news. A sadder truth is that child abuse and neglect happen every day … throughout the Greater Tucson community.

 Last month, we were asked by United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign to submit some year-end service numbers. Several of our key programs were particularly active:

 The Casa de los Niños crisis shelter cared for 274 individual children during 2009. We had an average of 35 children a day living in our shelter.

 313 individual children lived in Casa de los Niños foster homes last year.

 190 individual children were helped by our Great Beginnings Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinic. All of them had seen or experienced violence.

 2,306 families were involved in the Casa de los Niños Judicial Supervision Program. Our staff people helped recently-separated couples make sure both parents received quality time with their children.

 All in all, our network of programs for children and families touched the lives of more than 4,000 children in 2009 alone. Only a few of these cases were ever mentioned in the newspaper, but the stories are real. The people are real. Child abuse and neglect in Pima County are real. 

 As we move toward April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the United States, there is obviously plenty of work still to be done.

 JOB IDENTIFICATION

            JOB TITLE:  Care Coordinator I
            PROGRAM:  Behavioral Health Services
            DEPARTMENT:  Behavioral Health Services
            FLSA CATEGORY:  Non-exempt
            REPORTS TO:  Team Lead
            WRITTEN BY:  Director, Behavioral Health Services
            APPROVED BY:  Executive Director
            DATE REVIEWED:  January 2010

JOB SUMMARY:

The Care Coordinator I is responsible for the comprehensive coordination of behavioral health services for children who have complex psychosocial needs and support to their parents and guardians. The position provides individual, family and group services to children, youth, and families.  The Care Coordinator facilitates Child & Family Teams and engages members and their families in recovery oriented treatment planning. The Care Coordinator will carry an assigned caseload and will deliver services singly or as part of a team and maintain accurate and timely clinical service records, prepare and provide accurate reports; and submit data in an accurate and timely manner. Will have a reasonable case load and work in a professional team environment. Some positions require variable schedules including evening and weekend hours.
 

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Adheres to agency Policies & Procedures
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency
• Maintains a positive and respectful manner with all contacts
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about department/group issues
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Meets department productivity standards

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age (licensing requirement).
• Bachelor’s degree and six weeks of behavioral health work experience and able to pass a skills assessment
• An Associate’s Degree or HS Diploma may be considered with relevant behavioral health experience
• Behavioral health work experience may be paid, volunteer, or internship experience working with persons with a mental health diagnosis, emotional impairment, or at risk categories
• Possess a valid Arizona driver license and be insurable under the agency automobile policy.
• Must be computer literate with knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel) and ability to learn electronic health record systems.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients homes and/or other relevant organizations/agencies
• Bilingual preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates basic knowledge and application of human development and family life cycle in children and families.
• Knowledge of managed care systems, CPSA systems, and AHCCCS/Title XIX medical Assistance screening.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must be organized and able to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be organized with the ability to take direction, prioritize tasks, multi-task, and work independently.
• Ability to apply imagination and creativity to job duties and responsibilities.
• Must have ability to maintain confidentiality, and consistently exercise discretion and judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engages members and their families or legal guardians in service planning to meet the needs of children enrolled in the behavioral health system
• Under the direction of a qualified Behavioral Health Professional or Technician, provides individual, family and group services to children, youth and families. Identifies needs with families and completes service plan with member and family/guardian.
• Facilitates Child & Family Teams to review service needs, treatment planning progress, goal attainment and utilization of services and natural supports.
• Responsible for the coordination of a comprehensive array of services as well as the accompanying referral and administrative requirements for that service delivery.
• Provides positive, pro-active communication to other system partners related to care coordination needs.
• Attends and participates in team meetings.
• Participates in ongoing program planning and development.
• Maintains client records in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements. 
• Provides complete documentation that accurately reflects services delivered in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements. 
• Performs other duties as assigned, which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position. 

Essential Duties:

Conducts thorough and ongoing child/family strengths and needs assessments, utilizing the program specific protocol.

• Develops and implements successful behavior management techniques specific to the family’s needs.
• Provides effective crisis management.
• Designs “behavioral contracts” with clients and families as necessary.
• Conducts educational activities that promote client understanding of treatment issues.
• Interfaces with Child Protective Services, the courts and other partners regarding child well-being, family stability and case planning.
• Plans for client discharge/termination, including helping the family plan and prepare.
• Links families to community resources.
• Maintains clinical records in a timely manner following agency standards.
• Is available to work after hours, weekends and on-call on a rotating basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.
• Must drive and/or transport clients on behalf of Casa de los Niños.
• Maintains timely progress notes that reflect movement towards client goals.
• Provides or arranges for transportation of clients to appointments as necessary.
• Must drive on behalf of the agency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must qualify for Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance.
• Must be able to meet training and agency compliance requirements for the position.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to effectively communicate
• Ability to interact well with various levels of staff and with community partners and key stakeholders
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret complex information and regulatory requirements
• Ability to learn automated electronic medical record system for record-keeping

Physical Requirements

• Active environment with visits to homes, schools, and community-based agencies.
• Must be able to climb stairs and move throughout facility/home.
• Frequent to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.).
• Moderate reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling or crouching.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Relationships

The Care Coordinator is directly supervised by a Team Lead, however the majority of the work is conducted as an independent practitioner in the field.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of the Care Coordinator vary greatly, due to the nature of in-home work.  Most of the time is spent traveling to and working in clients home.  The Care Coordinator may be exposed to any environmental or situational hazards that may occur in homes.  The remainder of the time is spent working in the office or in meetings at other agencies.

Level of Supervision

The Care Coordinator has a low level of supervision while on the job.  The Care Coordinator is alone when meeting clients in the community.  There is a safety check-in with the Team Lead at the end of the workday.  The Care Coordinator meets with the Team lead once a week for formal supervision and case staffing, and consults with the Clinical Director as needed.

Casa de los Niños
JOB DESCRIPTION

 JOB IDENTIFICATION

             JOB TITLE: Care Coordinator II
            PROGRAM:  Behavioral Health Services
            DEPARTMENT:  Behavioral Health
            FLSA CATEGORY:  Non-exempt
            REPORT TO:  Team Lead
            WRITTEN BY:  Director, Behavioral Health
            APPROVED BY:  Executive Director
            DATE REVIEWED:  January 2010 

 JOB SUMMARY:
The Care Coordinator II is responsible for the comprehensive coordination of behavioral health services for children who have complex psychosocial needs and support to their parents and guardians. The position provides assessment, crisis intervention, individual, family and group services to children, youth, and families.  The Care Coordinator facilitates Child & Family Teams and engages members and their families in recovery oriented treatment planning. The Care Coordinator will carry an assigned caseload and will deliver services singly or as part of a team and maintain accurate and timely clinical service records, prepare and provide accurate reports; and submit data in an accurate and timely manner. Will have a reasonable case load and work in a professional team environment. Some positions require variable schedules including evening and weekend hours.

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Adheres to agency Policies & Procedures
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency
• Maintains a positive and respectful manner with all contacts
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about department/group issues
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Meets department productivity standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age (licensing requirement).

Qualification for the Care Coordination II position will be one of the following:

• Master’s degree in a field related to behavioral health
• Bachelor’s degree in field related to behavioral health and at least one year of full time behavioral health work experience
• Associate’s degree in a field related to behavioral health and at least two years of full time behavioral health work experience
• High school education and at least four years of behavioral health work experience
• Possess a valid Arizona driver license and be insurable under the agency automobile policy.
• Must be computer literate with knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel) and ability to learn electronic health record systems.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients homes and/or other relevant organizations/agencies
• Bilingual preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of human development and family life cycle in children and families.
• Knowledge of DSM-IV.
• Knowledge of managed care systems, CPSA systems, and AHCCCS/Title XIX medical Assistance screening.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must be organized and able to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be organized with the ability to take direction, prioritize tasks, multi-task, and work independently.
• Ability to apply imagination and creativity to job duties and responsibilities.
• Must have ability to maintain confidentiality, and consistently exercise discretion and judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engages members and their families or legal guardians in service planning to meet the needs of children enrolled in the behavioral health system.
• Provides assessment, crisis intervention, individual, family and group services to children, youth and families. Identifies needs with families and completes service plan with member and family/guardian.
• Facilitates Child & Family Teams to review service needs, treatment planning progress, goal attainment and utilization of services and natural supports.
• Responsible for the coordination of a comprehensive array of services as well as the accompanying referral and administrative requirements for that service delivery.
• Provides positive, pro-active communication to other system partners related to care coordination needs.
  Attends and participates in team meetings.
  Participates in ongoing program planning and development.
• Maintains client records in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements.
• Provides complete documentation that accurately reflects services delivered in accordance with regulatory, contractual and agency requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned, which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.
  

Essential Duties:

• Conducts thorough and ongoing child/family strengths and needs assessments, utilizing the program specific protocol.
• Develops and implements successful behavior management techniques specific to the family’s needs.
• Provides effective crisis management.
• Designs “behavioral contracts” with clients and families as necessary.
• Conducts educational activities that promote client understanding of treatment issues.
• Interfaces with Child Protective Services, the courts and other partners regarding child well-being, family stability and case planning.
• Plans for client discharge/termination, including helping the family plan and prepare.
• Links families to community resources.
• Maintains clinical records in a timely manner following agency standards.
• Is available to work after hours, weekends and on-call on a rotating basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.
• Must drive and/or transport clients on behalf of Casa de los Niños.
• Maintains timely progress notes that reflect movement towards client goals.
• Provides or arranges for transportation of clients to appointments as necessary.
• Must drive on behalf of the agency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must qualify for Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance.
• Must be able to meet training and agency compliance requirements for the position.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to effectively communicate
• Ability to interact well with various levels of staff and with community partners and key stakeholders
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret complex information and regulatory requirements
• Ability to learn automated electronic medical record system for record-keeping

Physical Requirements

• Active environment with visits to homes, schools, and community-based agencies.
• Must be able to climb stairs and move throughout facility/home.
• Frequent to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.).
• Moderate reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling or crouching.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Relationships

The Care Coordinator is directly supervised by a Team Lead, however the majority of the work is conducted as an independent practitioner in the field.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of the Care Coordinator vary greatly, due to the nature of in-home work.  Most of the time is spent traveling to and working in clients home.  The Care Coordinator may be exposed to any environmental or situational hazards that may occur in homes.  The remainder of the time is spent working in the office or in meetings at other agencies.

Level of Supervision

The Care Coordinator has a low level of supervision while on the job.  The Care Coordinator is alone when meeting clients in the community.  There is a safety check-in with the Team Lead at the end of the workday.  The Care Coordinator meets with the Team lead once a week for formal supervision and case staffing, and consults with the Clinical Director as needed.

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Executive Director

 It is an exciting, rewarding, confusing, frustrating time for many of us here at Casa de los Niños. On one hand, our two newest programs – Nurse-Family Partnership and Raising Healthy Kids – are really beginning to make a difference in the lives of at-risk mothers. We are also getting ready to launch a new initiative that will lead to behavior health care for foster children throughout Pima County. 

 These efforts are hugely important. All three are going well, but our enthusiasm is tempered when we see the storm clouds gathering over Phoenix.

 We know that the Arizona State Legislature is wrestling with what could become a budget catastrophe, both this year and next. We know that something will have to give. And as we look into the faces of the children we serve, we can only hope that our lawmakers will not abandon the at-risk children of Arizona.

 Last February, the Legislature imposed massive budget cuts on DES. Those cuts soon trickled down to Casa de los Niños and other local agencies serving kids. Should major cuts be ordered again this year, we would be gravely effected.

 The Legislature is also considering another measure that would damage Casa de los Niños. Lawmakers may ask voters to rescind several voter-mandated programs. One of those is First Things First, which collects tobacco settlement dollars and re-distributes them to agencies serving children.   

 First Things First funds our Nurse-Family Partnership program and our Raising Healthy Kids program. They are budgeted at $1.6 million this year alone. If this funding stream goes away, there is no way our agency can operate them with the resources we would have left.

 Twelve months ago, several state legislators said they did not realize how many families would suffer due to the cuts they had imposed. Hopefully, our lawmakers understand the consequences of the alternatives they are weighing now.

  In Phoenix, our elected officials see numbers. At Casa de los Niños, we see faces. We hope you will keep these children in mind as the budget process continues to unfold this spring.

 Thanks again for caring, and for sharing with Casa de los Ninos!

“To paraphrase Ronald Reagan,” the magazine said, “are you better off today than you were at the beginning of the decade? For most of us, the answer is a resounding no.” 

The point is well-taken, and there is no denying the fact that Casa de los Niños felt some of the turmoil. 2009 was hard. The state budget crisis hurt us deeply. But if we take a longer view, we came through the century’s first decade in surprisingly good shape.

Indeed, Casa de los Niños experienced the biggest growth spurt in its history. Consider this: In fiscal year 1999, our budget was $2.9 million. In fiscal year 2009, it was $6.4 million, an increase of 120%.

Also consider this: When the decade began, we offered three principal programs: our Crisis Shelter, Healthy Families and Family Visitation Services. Today, we offer a wide range of programs that touch the lives of 4,000 children a year. In addition to operating the shelter and offering Family Visitation Services, we care for abused kids by managing a large foster care network and a mental health clinic for youngsters who have experienced violence.

In the area of prevention, we now provide prenatal care through our Nurse-Family Partnership. We help at-risk parents with young children through our Raising Healthy Kids program. We provide free parenting classes to anyone who would like to attend.

Because the last year has been so difficult, we tend to forget that Casa de los Niños is far stronger today than it was 10 years ago.

This didn’t just happen. Our growth is a tribute to the many board members who have shared their time, their talent and their love of Tucson’s children. It is a tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who have worked arm-in-arm with our staff members to give the kids a warm and caring home. It is a tribute to all the employees who gave their own meaning to the word “nonprofit” but who wanted to make a difference.

Finally, our continued growth is a tribute to the thousands of good people of Tucson who have “been there” for us for more than 36 years. When we needed diapers, you brought them. When we needed blankets, you brought them. When we needed dollars, you brought those, too. We couldn’t haven’t done it without you, and we can’t thank you enough.

Happy New Year!