Team Decision Making (TDM) Facilitator
The facilitator is responsible for the facilitation of the Team Decision Making (TDM) process. He/She assures that the purpose of the TDM meeting is understood and all participants have an opportunity to be involved. The facilitator leads the group discussion that determines the placement/custody recommendation that protects and provides safety for the child/adult in the least restrictive/intrusive manner possible.

The TDM facilitator should be a skilled individual who has a wealth of experience in the field, as well as knowledge of agency policy and practice and community resources. The TDM facilitator should have credibility with staff and community partners. In addition, the TDM facilitator should be impartial, having no direct connection in the chain of command of social worker, supervisor or the case in question.

Additional qualities a TDM facilitator should possess are:

• Ability to engage participants
   
• Good communication, listening and reflection skills
   
• Ability to stay on task
   
• Good understanding of group dynamics
   
• Ability to develop consensus among a group
   
• Knowledge of family systems
   
• Conflict resolution/mediation skills
   
• Detail-oriented
   
• Thorough knowledge of, and experience with, the department’s policies and procedures, community resources, court, and child/adult welfare system
   
• Patience, flexibility and objectivity
   
• Good organizational skills
   
• A commitment to candor and straight talk
   
• A commitment to strength-based practice

The facilitator has a stake in the decisions that are made and the outcome of the meeting. While not "emotionally" vested in the decision, the facilitator does not represent the agency and its values and best practice, and is therefore responsible for making sure that the decisions made address these.

If selected, the TDM Facilitator agrees to attend training scheduled for July 22 and July 23, 2010 in Mariposa.

All applicants will be subject to background checks to include fingerprinting for DOJ, FBI and CACI clearance.

Compensation: $25/hour, not to exceed $2,500 per fiscal year

Filing Deadline: May 31, 2010

Submit Letter of Interest and Resume to:

Mariposa County Department of Human Services
Attn: Deb Ciapponi
P.O. Box 99
Mariposa, CA 95338