Family Service Workers and Home Visitors play an essential role in your program, especially in the area of case management. They begin by establishing a good working relationship with each parent. Effective work with families starts with an understanding of where parents are and where they want to go. Build connection with families by allowing adequate time for conversation and listening with an open mind. Create a safe environment for parents to share their strengths and open up about areas of challenge. It’s important that there is a system in place to link families to needed services and resources.
We see case management as a process that includes:
- Establishing a good working relationship with the family
- Implementing a goal setting process with the family
- Linking the family to needed services and resources
- Following up with the family regularly and maintaining good documentation and
- “Closing the loop” to ensure that the family receives all needed services.
“Closing the loop” is a follow-up system that confirms that each family is linked to all needed services. The Family Service Worker or Home Visitor checks in with the family on a regular basis. They assist the family in accessing services, follows up to ensure that the parent is satisfied with the services and provides guidance and support until all services are received.
Another key piece of case management is documentation. As we say, “if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen”. It’s vital that all interactions with the families and service providers are documented. Case notes must tell a story – from the initial referral… to all follow-up efforts… to delivery of services.
We utilize a strengths-based model, using each family’s individual strengths to assist them in achieving their goals. Families are the first and most important teachers of their children. They are our partners and play a critical role in their family’s development. Families have expertise about their child and their family.
This highly interactive & practice-based training will include:
- Key concepts & strategies in case management
- Successfully managing your caseload
- Follow-up & connecting families to services
- Documentation
- Time management
- Organizational skills
Looking for training on “Effective Case Management” for your Family Service Workers & Home Visitors? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.