Support Specialist (Multilingual)

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope
WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:
As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees, because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind
• A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
• Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
• Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
• 12 paid agency recognized holidays
• 2 floating holidays to use your way
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. As a Family Support Specialist with the Refugees Northwest Foster Care Program, you execute and facilitate foster family and host home support services, including recruitment activities, training, and retention and support of caregivers for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors. This role is part of the recruitment and outreach team and supports the licensing of caregivers when necessary.
• Support the licensing process as needed by participating in intake interviews, reviewing licensing applications, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and keeping informed of WACs and DLR policies and procedures.
• Support caregivers through individual consultation, caregiver support groups, and/or topical discussions relevant to caregiver and Unaccompanied Refugee Minor youth needs, including collaboration with social workers and Independent Living Case Managers as appropriate.
• Develop educational resources and facilitate ongoing caregiver training as part of the caregiver onboarding process to enhance knowledge, strengthen skills, and improve care that addresses the specific needs of URMs, including individual consultation and collaboration with the social work team.
• Assist with development and execution of a family recruitment strategy that is responsive to program needs and strives to include a diverse group of homes that are culturally and/or linguistically matched with youth whenever possible, including the recruitment of host home opportunities.
• Support marketing efforts for caregiver opportunities, including participating in program and agency recruitment activities.
• Develop and facilitate information sessions for prospective caregivers; participate in community events to promote Refugees NW and the Foster Care program. Recruit new foster and host home families
• Contribute to foster parent/caregiver newsletter and other relevant communication.
• Support the placement team to review referrals, identify appropriate placements, and determine the best available placement options for new arrivals and youth in need of placement.
• Perform all job functions in accordance with LCSNW's agency and program specific personnel and administrative policies and procedures; current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations; and the code of ethics of professional social work.
HOW YOU WILL BE A GREAT FIT:
• Bachelor’s in social work or related social services field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in child welfare or working with caregivers
• Well-developed communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak English
• Strong organizational skills (ex. prioritization, multitasking, etc.)
• Independent decision-making abilities when circumstances warrant such action
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong level of cultural competence and trauma-informed care understanding
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check
• Experience developing strong community networks to support caregivers
• Experience in marketing and communication to support program networking events and increase engagement of caregivers and community networks
• Interviewing and as