Family Foster Specialist

Overview

POSITION:
Foster Family Specialist.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT:
Foster Care.

REPORTS TO:

FAS and Visitation Program Director.

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION:
Yes.

STATUS:
Full Time / Salary / Exempt from Overtime.

HOURS WORKED:
Varies, includes nights and weekends.

PAY: $35,600 to $38,000 annually, dependent education and experience.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Foster Family Specialist will be responsible for:
1) Completing foster and/or adoptive home studies for the purpose of recommending licensure or certification for prospective foster families; and
2) Maintaining licensed GAP/DCS foster care providers to ensure high quality care for the foster children in the homes. This position will be largely home-based with responsibilities carried out during home visits to prospective foster and/or adoptive homes; scheduling regular visits to foster homes; maintaining consistent telephone contact; and writing monthly and quarterly summary reports, renewals, and amendments. This position serves as an advocate for the foster child and foster family and will be expected to attend Foster Care Review Board meetings, court hearings, and staffing.

• Exemplify and support the Vision, Mission Statements and Core Values of GAP Ministries.
• Demonstrate GAP Ministries’ attributes of an effective culture champion which include servant leadership, communication, respect, accountability, integrity, teamwork and positive attitude.
• Comply with GAP Ministries’ Code of Conduct and Ethics and HIPAA privacy and confidentiality requirements.

The primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may require working evenings and/or weekends:

• Assessing, evaluating, and writing home studies on potential foster families. May recommend a family for successful licensure, additional counseling or training, and/or recommend a denial of application, licensure, or certification of homes.
• May be responsible for training or assisting in the training of foster and/or adoptive parents in the education classes at GAP.
• Providing, post-placement supervision for foster/adoptive families, this includes attendance at Court hearings, as well as attending Foster Care Review Board, Child Family Team meetings and any other meeting the foster family requires while caring for a foster child in their home.
• Providing ongoing supervision and support for GAP licensed foster homes; successfully share and model TBRI strategies and techniques to redirect child behavior. Encourage calm yet playful demeanor when interacting with children in care. Build trust with children and foster families.
• Completing annual foster home license renewals and amendments required by change in circumstances with foster parents.
• Ensuring quality of care through accountability of foster families in creating and following through on annual family development plan.
• Responsible for regular home visits to provide support, consultation, education with discipline techniques, and the child’s adjustment to the home. As well as, advocating for child’s needs with DCS/GAP regarding safety, permanency, and to address any concerns of the foster family.
• Attend all staff meetings and training sessions or make arrangements with supervisor to review video of missed meeting or training.
• Represent GAP Ministries to the public in a positive, professional and responsible manner.
• Personally grow in leadership and spiritual life to exemplify the characteristics of a cultural champion.
• Follow agency chain of command in a responsible and supportive manner. Be able to accept constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Comply with GAP Ministries and state confidentiality policy. Follow all parts of state contract and Title 21 for the position and services provided.
• Follow outlined policies and procedures for dealing with duties, foster families and children in care when applicable.
• Receive and implement constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Provide input on reviews for self, manager(s) and peers, at least semi-annually
• Perform other appropriate tasks as assigned or requested by management.

• BA in social…