Foster Care Development Specialist

For over 30 years, First Home Care has supported children, families, and communities across Virginia through compassionate, trauma-informed behavioral health and foster care services. Our work focuses on helping individuals remain connected to their communities while building the skills and supports needed to thrive. Supported by Health Connect America, a multi-state behavioral health organization, our team combines deep local impact with expanded clinical resources, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.

About the role

As a Foster Care Development Specialist with Health Connect America, you’ll use your experience with children, families, and foster parents to make a broader impact. You’ll recruit and develop foster families, guide prospective parents through licensing, provide training and support, and build community connections that help children find safe, nurturing homes. This role can be a natural next step for a Foster Care Case Manager, Family Support Services professional, child welfare professional, or behavioral health professional ready to expand their impact and take the next career step.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and connect with prospective foster families through community outreach, presentations, networking, referrals, and one-on-one conversations—helping individuals discover their opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
• Guide prospective foster parents from inquiry through licensure, coordinating applications, background checks, training, home study requirements, documentation, and approval.
• Lead training and educational opportunities that prepare foster parents to understand the realities of foster care and confidently meet the needs of children and youth.
• Develop and support foster families ongoing through relationship-building, coaching, resources, compliance, and problem-solving.
• Manage licensing, documentation, and compliance requirements by maintaining accurate records, completing required background checks and documentation, and ensuring foster homes meet all applicable regulatory and program standards.
• Build community partnerships by increasing awareness of foster care needs and opportunities while strengthening the network of safe, stable, and nurturing homes available to children.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• 2+ years of related experience working with children and families in a therapeutic treatment environment.
• Strong communication, public speaking, organization, and documentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with foster parents, community partners, and internal teams.
• Knowledge of family systems, systems of care, and community resources.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems proactively.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance in good standing.

Skills

• Natural relationship builder who enjoys meeting people, speaking with groups, and building trust.
• Skilled at explaining complex information, coaching others, and helping people feel prepared.
• Understands that the right foster family can change a child’s life.
• Background in foster care, child welfare, family services, behavioral health, or another child- and family-serving field.
• Finds purpose in helping others succeed and wants to equip foster parents with the tools and confidence to make a difference.

Pay

Base Salary $52,000-$58,000 annually. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for travel and phone stipends, along with performance-based incentives for successful foster home licensing and placements. There is no cap on additional incentive earnings.