Foster Care Family Specialist - Bachelor's Degree Required (2852)

The Family Specialist is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of youth in foster care.

Schedule

•  8:30AM-5PM, some evenings required, flexible schedule dependent on case needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts assessment of family’s strengths and needs; assesses problem areas and utilizes various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change. 
• Participates in development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plan.  Develops alternative placement or permanency resources for youth that may not return to their families.  Completes a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.
• Delivers effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations.  Tracks and monitors services provided, completes all documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner.  Ensures compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent and necessary release of information.
• Conducts casework contacts with families, as needed but at least twice a month, in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals. Engages youth and family by developing effective and caring relationship.  Ensures children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
• Acts as a bridge between youth and family, and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face-to-face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc. Attend treatment review meetings.
• Assists with reunification of youth with family, community, school by implementing permanent supports and resources including but not limited to identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after school recreational and job opportunities and developing a relapse prevention program.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.
  • A Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• Required Preferred 1 years of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management,  child welfare, trauma-informed care preferably in a home-based, or community setting.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
• Access to a reliable vehicle is required, as frequent travel is necessary.
• Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of, equity, and inclusive practices in service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.