Home Finder I

Job Summary

The Home Finder I recruits and trains high-quality foster/kinship homes. The Home Finder I develops strong working relationships with Department of Social Services (DSS) staff in order to partner in the successful preparedness of County foster/kinship homes to be certified.

Essential Job Functions

• Recruit and train high-quality foster/kinship homes
• Organize, coordinate, and facilitate foster/kinship parent recruitment events and training schedules
• Identify the relevant curriculum and provide training, 1:1 or in groups, for potential foster parents/kinship caregivers to assist them in meeting certification requirements
• Partner with DSS to understand the placement needs of youth in the county so that training reflects those needs
• Identify additional resources and/or training needed to ensure the foster/kinship parents are capable and confident in addressing the needs of youth in foster or kinship care
• Share ongoing assessment of the appropriateness and development of individuals in the training class with the Department of Social Services (DSS) workers

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth and/or families

Special Requirements

• Unrestricted, valid NYS driver's license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to successfully understand and teach the identified curriculum to train potential foster parent/kinship caregivers
• Ability to empathize with the experiences and emotions of children in foster care and their families, demonstrating sensitivity, understanding, and support
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, foster families, and professionals in the foster care system
• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local statutes, regulatory agency standards and Hillside policies

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends
• Sitting (up to 6 hours)
• Occasional standing (up to 2 hours)
• Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
• Driving (several times a week up to 6 hours)
• Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
• Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
• Weekly lifting up to 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, or smoke is apparent
• Ability to change positions as needed

Pay

• $19.50 Minimum pay rate, $28.00 Maximum pay rate, based on experience. This pay rate may include a Regional and/or Department premium.