Foster Care Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Foster Care Specialist is a well-rounded position working within the Foster Care division of the agency.  This role seeks, trains and case manages foster care families, working diligently to meet the community’s need for safe, stable homes for children.  This role partners with churches, state agencies and internal resources to develop relationships with community groups, particularly those faith based.  This role includes training in all areas of Foster Care, training foster individuals or parents, and oversees completion of annual trainings to maintain the license of existing foster homes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with social services experiences preferred

·        Relevant on-the-job experience or proven experience closing on commitments

·        Strong interpersonal, communication and crisis-management skills required

·        Must be proficient with computers and equipment, and have knowledge of Microsoft products

·        Must have ability to produce marketing and design material for recruitment purposes

·        Must possess excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills

·        Must be willing to travel to various venues, service providers, foster homes and offices

·        Must possess the ability to conduct trainings and facilitate meetings

·        Must subscribe to the agencies Mission Statement and Beliefs

·        Must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance

·        Must be able to enter non-handicap accessible buildings

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and implement recruitment marketing plans to attract foster parents.  This includes planning, promoting and attending community events, speaking engagements and building partnerships with local organizations, churches and the media
2. Be a point of contact for potential families, responding promptly to questions and guiding them through the recruitment process
3. Perform family screenings, conduct background checks, perform home studies and visits all in compliance with state and agency standards
4. Coordinate, plan and deliver training requirements for foster parents (initial and annual)
5. Maintain detailed and accurate records of active homes 
6. Build positive, supportive relationships with the current and prospective foster parents
7. Be a liaison for foster parents with state agencies or community resource agencies
8. Assist with developing and implementing retention strategies such as coordinating appreciation events that keep families engaged, active and valued.
9. Manage referrals and intakes based on the needs of the ministry and foster home wishes
10. Possess a strong knowledge of internal and external foster care standards
11. Ensure the provision of case management to youth and their biological, foster, or adoptive families by conducting thorough assessment to identify needs and prepare care plans
12. Maintain accurate, confidential HIPAA compliant, up-to-date case records
13. Offer emotional support, coping skills and crisis intervention according to standards
14. Work with multidisciplinary teams like healthcare providers, social workers and community resource agencies to maximum treatment plans
15. Develop and ensure completion of corrective actions plans from internal or external monitoring
16. Champion clients’ rights, ensuring they receive appropriate services and navigate complex systems and challenges
17. Provide after hour on call support for clients during scheduled rotation
18. Prepare and maintain foster parent files as per policy and licensing standards, ensuring all are in compliance and current for audits purposes

Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, Inc. humble beginnings started as a children's orphanage in 1939. Today, our programs have expanded to meet the needs of the entire family. Our Goal is to provide a strong support system which will enable children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens we serve to become productive and healthy members of the community.

Our Vision is to be nationally recognized as a model of excellence in faith based family, adult, adolescent, senior and child care services which strengthen and preserve the family and provide dignity to those we serve.