Family Support Specialist

About the role

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non‑profit serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, providing health, justice, and hope to individuals, families, and communities. As a Family Support Specialist with the Refugees Northwest Foster Care Program, you will execute and facilitate foster family and host‑home support services for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors, working within the recruitment and outreach team and supporting caregiver licensing as needed.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, retain, and support foster and host‑home caregivers for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors.
• Participate in licensing processes: conduct intake interviews, review applications, ensure compliance with state regulations, and stay current on WACs and DLR policies.
• Provide individual consultations, caregiver support groups, and topical discussions in collaboration with social workers and Independent Living Case Managers.
• Develop educational resources and facilitate onboarding training to enhance caregiver knowledge and skills.
• Assist in creating and executing a family recruitment strategy that seeks culturally and linguistically matched homes.
• Support marketing efforts, including participation in program and agency recruitment activities and community events.
• Develop and lead information sessions for prospective caregivers.
• Contribute to caregiver newsletters and other communications.
• Support the placement team by reviewing referrals, identifying appropriate placements, and determining optimal placement options.
• Perform all duties in accordance with LCSNW policies, federal, state, and local regulations, and the social work code of ethics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social services field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in child welfare or working directly with caregivers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational abilities, including prioritization and multitasking.
• Independent decision‑making capability when warranted.
• Team‑oriented work style.
• High cultural competence and understanding of trauma‑informed care.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Experience building community networks to support caregivers.
• Marketing and communication experience to promote program events and increase caregiver engagement.
• Interviewing and assessment experience.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
• Problem‑solving skills in environments with limited standardization.
• Current Washington State driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work in moderately noisy environments and perform tasks involving sitting, standing, walking, and lifting equipment up to 10 lb (or children up to 25 lb).
• Willingness to travel between worksites and transport clients as needed.
• Ability to meet LCSNW criminal background clearance and other state‑required clearances.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage for you and your loved ones.
• Employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Life insurance at no cost to you.
• Up to 2 weeks of vacation in the first year (based on hours worked).
• Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked).
• 12 paid agency‑recognized holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
• Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Schedule

This position follows a 37.5‑hour work week, designed to support work‑life balance.