Foster Care Coordinator

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

Centerstone, a trauma-informed organization, endorses an organizational culture built on understanding, recognizing and responding to those affected by trauma to strengthen resilience for our clients, staff and community. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Primary responsibilities of this role are to recruit, screen, train, conduct and write home studies for potential foster parents. They will provide and track all pre-service and on-going training for foster parents. They must ensure DCS, Licensing and CARF compliance of foster homes to avoid audit findings and/or financial penalties. This position will assist in program growth by bringing on new families and assist Program Manager with making appropriate placements. They will also provide support to foster families to ensure successful placements, maintain record, avoid financial penalties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to completing all Foster Care Case Manager training requirements:

• Provides TN Key, CPR/1st Aid and on-going training to foster families.           
• Completes home study in a timely manner.
• Works with DCS to approve family.
• Enters foster home approval and reassessment information into Centerstone and DCS electronic record.
• Responsible for maintaining foster parent electronic record.
• Recruits, trains, and conducts yearly evaluations of foster families.
• Completes all foster parent background checks as directed by policy.           
• Participates in recruitment activities including but not limited to: attending local fairs, fundraisers and events, presentations to community groups, media events, posting flyers, seeking leads from current foster parents and staff, working with Centerstone marketing, etc.
• Coordinates and maintains all training records, ensuring each family meets minimum standards.       
• Ensures all families meet compliance standards to avoid financial penalties.
• Works with Program Manager to match foster children with foster families.
• Assists Program Manager in coordinating placements.                                              
• Maintains ongoing communication and support to foster families.                          
• Conducts quarterly visits to each foster home.                                                                
• Works with foster families to meet the needs of each youth.                    
• Solves problems between youth and foster family when needed. 
• Carries a client caseload only when needed.
• Participates in foster parent payment system as needed.
• Participates in on-call system as assigned.             

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods.
• Willingness to learn about and provide trauma-informed care required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.
• Strong communication, writing, interpersonal skills are a must. 
• Ability to be flexible to meet workflow needs required.
• De-escalation, trauma-informed care, crisis management, problem-solving skills required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level              

 Bachelor’s degree in applicable field required. Master's degree preferred. Prefer degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or other related behavioral healthcare field.

Years of Experience       

• One to two years working with children, adolescents and/or families is required.
• One year in supervisory or administrative position preferred.

Occasional evening and weekend availability required, as well as the ability to be on-call as needed.

Certification/Licensure 

Must complete all pre-service training required for Foster Care Case Managers in addition to position-specific trainings including TN Key, Home Study Writing, CPR/1st Aid T4T, multiple T4T courses to train foster parents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Standing – 10%

Sitting – 65%

Squatting – Occasional