Foster Grandparent Coordinator

About the role

The Foster Grandparent Coordinator assists the Foster Grandparent Supervisor by providing professional case management services to meet the needs of the foster grandparents and to ensure a continuum of services for the children and families served.

Responsibilities

• Provide education, assessment, and ongoing support to the foster grandparents and foster grandchildren.
• Serve as the point of contact for foster grandparents, coordinate and schedule site visits between the foster grandparent and the assigned site.
• Refer the foster grandparents to resources needed to prepare for their site assignments.
• Coach foster grandparents in verbal de-escalation and continual trainings to help while serving at a site.
• Maintain a warm and professional relationship with the foster grandparents and site supervisors.
• Perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, and maintaining files as necessary.
• Attend periodic training to maintain quality of service as well as fulfill local, state, and/or federal guidelines.
• Operate within the guidelines of agency and MDHHS adult aging policies and procedures, the program’s Operations Manual, and AmeriCorp Manual for FGP and SCP Programs.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHS’s mission and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foster Grandparent Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Psychology, or related discipline, preferred.
• A minimum of one year professional experience working in a community-based program.
• Must meet the State’s Moral Character standard.

Knowledge Requirements

• Competence with computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, etc.) necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Principles and practices working with our aging population and children.
• Experience with school, daycare, and afterschool settings, and intergenerational settings.
• General understanding of the treatment needs of children who have suffered significant trauma.

Skills and Abilities

• Manage time and multiple priorities; be highly reliable in order to maintain schedules.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Relate well to persons sixty (60) and over.
• Perform behavior management techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Attend and conduct agency training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses.
• Maintain a Michigan driver’s license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.