Foster Support Specialist
Job Summary:
The Foster Support Specialist serves as the primary contact and support for foster families and the children who are placed in their homes. The Foster Support Specialist’s primary tasks are to assist in recruiting foster families, facilitate the training and certification process of foster parents, and provide ongoing monitoring and support to foster families. In this role, the individual will advocate for the ongoing needs of the foster families and children on their caseload while also providing ongoing monitoring and assessments of safety in the home. The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral or social science or related field and two years of experience in children’s or family services. They are highly organized and enjoy working in an environment that is mission-driven, fast-paced, and results-oriented. The candidate must pass an FBI criminal background check, and driving records check and have multiple supportive references. Willing to support families primarily located in Payne County and surrounding areas. Send a cover letter and resume (including references) to [email protected]
Responsibilities:
Manages a caseload of foster families and provides ongoing monthly (sometimes more frequent) visits to those foster homes to ensure the safety and support of the children placed in the home.
Acts as a liaison between the foster homes and the Oklahoma Human Services.
Be available outside of normal business hours to foster families, when necessary, for crisis management and/or support.
Share the responsibility of 24-hour placement needs and on-call duties with other staff.
Facilitate the certification process of potential foster parents including, but not limited to: completing background searches, submitting applications, completing reference checks, house assessments, financial assessments, and assisting in facilitating required training.
Complete paperwork required for annual assessments and ensure any required documents are valid and up to date.
Works with the Foster Care Supervisor to place children in foster homes.
Completes documentation and submits reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content.
Coordinates with the Director of Foster Care and Foster Care Supervisor to ensure regulatory compliance by foster parents. Reviews and monitors current certification standards with care providers.
Coordinates with Agency staff, and staff from external public and private agencies, on the delivery of services to children and families.
Will be required to drive personal or agency vehicles while transporting children or conducting agency business. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must meet agency underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and/or transporting clients.
Advocate, promote, and practice cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-to-day interactions.
Adheres to Lions Meadows of Hope’s core values.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in social work or a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral or social science or related field and two years of experience in children or family services.
Present exceptional customer service with high expectations for quality of service.
Familiarity with TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) or similar modalities is preferred.
Ability to communicate thoughts and concerns clearly, both orally and in written form.
Must exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Tolerance to work under adverse conditions.
Open to learning and willing to use new skills and information, receptive to constructive criticism.
Work independently, and as a team member, without constant supervision.
Maintain a willingness to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the agency.
Organized and detailed.
Ability to use standard office equipment.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel with the ability to learn additional software.
Capable of lifting heavy objects of up to 20 pounds and ability to walk upstairs.