Family Specialist
About The Position
Wayfinder Family Services’ statewide Foster Care and Adoption programs match children and youth displaced from their homes due to abuse or neglect with families able to provide safe, caring homes. The programs recruit, train, and certify resource (foster) families, some of whom ultimately adopt the children they foster. They emphasize permanency for children, which may involve reunification with birth parents, placement with relatives, adoption, or guardianship. The Family Specialist provides intensive support, guidance, and coordination to kinship caregivers as they navigate the Resource Family Approval (RFA) pre-approval process. The role prepares relative and non-relative extended family members to meet licensing and regulatory requirements, supports child safety standards, and promotes stable, nurturing placements for children involved in the child welfare system. The position is based at the Martinez Office in Martinez, California, is full-time, and has a day/AM shift. The role involves travel of up to 25%. The hourly wage range is $25.00–$27.00, with a $1 per hour bilingual differential for candidates who meet bilingual requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or 18 units in Psychology, Sociology, and/or Communication, or 1–2 years of experience working with children and families in a social services, child welfare, or community-based setting.
- Experience assisting clients with forms, applications, and case-related documentation.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention and the unique needs of kinship care.
- Bilingual Spanish skills are required.
- Familiarity with community resources and referral processes.
- Valid California Driver’s License, at least three years of good driving history, and approval by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.
Responsibilities
- Educate caregivers about the RFA process, timelines, and expectations.
- Support caregivers in understanding their role in promoting child safety, permanency, and well-being.
- Guide families through pre-approval requirements, including fingerprints, applications, paperwork and documentation, training, and other requirements.
- Conduct home visits and coach families on meeting home-environment and safety standards.
- Identify barriers to approval early and collaborate with families and social workers to develop solutions.
- Connect caregivers to required pre-service training and community resources.
- Coordinate with social workers, RFA staff, and multidisciplinary teams to support alignment and timely approvals.
- Participate in case consultations and team meetings.
- Conduct assessments to identify family needs.
- Transport clients as needed.
- Perform other duties outlined in the position description.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off.
- 11 paid holidays and five winter holidays.
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4%.
- Employee referral program.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible.
- Flexible spending account plans.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
