Foster Care Specialist

Job Summary:

Case management responsibilities for certified foster families, prospective foster families, and children assigned for case management. This position will seek to ensure trauma-informed care and the creation and maintenance of a trauma-informed environment for all youth in this program

Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Provides direct supervision and supportive services for foster families.
2. Conducts home studies for prospective foster families and yearly recertification studies for existing foster families.
3. Provides case management for children in Bethesda foster homes as assigned.
4. Assists in the coordination of placement services for children referred for foster care including but not limited to matching of children to foster homes and team involvement with foster parents, placing agencies, and other involved community  agencies.
5. Conducts home visits and maintain phone contact with assigned foster families pursuant to department policies and procedures.
6. Completes assigned home studies following regulations and Bethesda policies.
7. Maintains contact with children assigned for case management pursuant to contractual guidelines.
8. Participates actively in identifying foster homes for children referred and communicates with placing agencies to ensure optimal services to children and foster families.
9. Serves as a liaison between foster parents, placing agencies, and other service providers.
10. Maintains confidentiality for all information related to foster care services per the appropriate laws and regulations.
11. Assist with all aspects of foster parent recruitment and retention.

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Posses highly developed verbal and written communication skills. This includes the ability to converse with children and families of various socioeconomic backgrounds in a professional manner who may also be mentally or emotionally troubled.
2. Knowledge of the foster care system.
3. Ability to be on-call as needed.

Required Education, Experience, and Clearances:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
2. Requires one year experience in working directly with children and families.
3. Experience in case management preferred.
4. Must be at least 21 years of age.
5. Acceptable FBI, Child Abuse History, PA State Police, and Driver Clearances. 

Benefits:

403(b)

403(b) matching

Health Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (SAP)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Dental & Vision Insurance

Employer-paid Life & Disability Insurance

Paid time off: Including vacation, personal, and sick time

12 paid holidays per year

Aflac

Pet Insurance

Public Student Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer (PSLF)

Tuition Reimbursement

Salary:

$18-$20 per hour per hour based on experience.  This position is full-time with benefits.