Foster Care Family Specialist - Bachelor's Degree Required

Together for Youth•Amsterdam, NY

3d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Specialist coordinates a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to support the safety, permanency, and well-being of youth in foster care. The role assesses family strengths and needs, coordinates treatment and discharge planning, delivers case management services, and works with youth, families, and foster care treatment teams to support treatment goals and permanency. The schedule is 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, with some evenings required and flexibility based on case needs. The position is based at the Amsterdam Office in Amsterdam, New York, and involves travel of up to 50%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
Ability to work a flexible schedule with variable daytime and evening hours and occasional on-call responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
Access to a reliable vehicle for frequent travel.
Ability to plan and coordinate transportation efficiently and on time.
Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Excellent communication skills, including professional verbal communication, empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, timely written documentation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related); may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
One year of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, or trauma-informed care, preferably in a home-based or community setting.
Demonstrated understanding of equity and inclusive practices in service delivery.

Responsibilities

Assess family strengths, needs, and problem areas, and use treatment modalities and resources to support growth and change.
Participate in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive treatment and discharge plans.
Develop alternative placement or permanency resources for youth who may not return to their families.
Complete a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks before discharge.
Provide case management services, including arranging counseling as needed and ensuring children receive required medical and dental examinations.
Track and monitor services, and complete documentation accurately and promptly.
Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent, and required releases of information.
Conduct casework contacts with families at least twice a month, as needed, in their homes and community settings, focusing on treatment goals.
Build effective, caring relationships with youth and families.
Ensure children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
Connect youth and families with foster care treatment teams through telephone and in-person contacts, family conferences, and comprehensive treatment reviews.
Attend treatment review meetings.
Support reunification with family, community, and school by establishing permanent supports and resources, such as mentors, after-school recreational and job opportunities, and relapse prevention programs.
Plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations.