Foster Parent Development Specialist

About the role

Pinnacle Family Services, part of Health Connect America, provides evidence‑based therapeutic foster care and behavioral health services to at‑risk youth in North and South Carolina. The organization takes a trauma‑informed, relationship‑focused approach, serving children who have experienced trauma, loss, abuse, or neglect. As a Foster Parent Development Specialist you will join a community of professionals dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting foster families that create safe, nurturing homes for children.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and connect with prospective foster families through community outreach, presentations, networking, referrals, and one‑on‑one conversations.
• 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.

Qualifications

• You are a Foster Care Case Manager or similar professional ready to expand impact beyond individual cases.
• You are a natural relationship builder who enjoys meeting people, speaking with groups, and building trust.
• You are the go‑to person for questions, skilled at explaining complex information, coaching others, and helping people feel prepared.
• You view foster care as more than filling a bed; you understand that the right foster family can change a child’s life.
• Your background may be in foster care, child welfare, family services, behavioral health, or another child‑ and family‑serving field.
• You find purpose in helping others succeed and want to equip foster parents with the tools and confidence to make a difference.

Requirements

• Must meet North Carolina Qualified Professional (QP) requirements per 10A NCAC 27G .0104.
• One of the following education/experience combinations:
  • Master’s in a human services field + 1 year experience
  • Bachelor’s in a human services field + 2 years experience
  • Bachelor’s in a non‑human services field + 4 years experience
• Current North Carolina license (including provisional) or board‑issued certification in a human services profession.
• Full‑time, supervised experience serving children and adolescents with a primary mental health diagnosis (experience may be accumulated before or after degree completion).
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and automobile insurance in good standing.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling and a culture that values work/life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with eight mental‑health counseling sessions annually
• Paid time off and paid holidays for full‑time employees
• Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary insurance options
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending Account
• Access to a Health Navigator
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Benefits Hub and Tickets at Work – exclusive savings and perks for everyday life