Foster Care Family Specialist (5352)

Schedule: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, some evenings required; flexible schedule dependent on case needs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessment of family’s strengths and needs; assesses problem areas and utilizes various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.
• Participates in development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plan.
• Develops alternative placement or permanency resources for youth that may not return to their families.
• Completes a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.
• Delivers effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations.
• Tracks and monitors services provided, completes all documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• Ensures compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent, and necessary release of information.
• Conducts casework contacts with families, as needed but at least twice a month, in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals.
• Engages youth and family by developing effective and caring relationships.
• Ensures children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
• Acts as a bridge between youth and family, and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face-to-face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc.
• Attends treatment review meetings.
• Assists with reunification of youth with family, community, and school by implementing permanent supports and resources, including but not limited to identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after-school recreational and job opportunities, and developing a relapse prevention program.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• A Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• Preferred 1 year of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care, preferably in a home-based or community setting.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings, and occasional on-call responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
• Access to a reliable vehicle is required, as frequent travel is necessary.
• Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of equity and inclusive practices in service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.