Foster Care Family Specialist
About The Position
The Family Specialist coordinates a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of youth in foster care. The role is based at the Long Island Office in Melville, New York. The schedule is 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with some evenings required and flexibility depending on case needs. The specialist assesses family strengths and needs, develops and evaluates treatment and discharge plans, provides case management, monitors services and documentation, and maintains confidentiality and consent requirements. The role involves regular family contacts in homes and community settings, relationship-building with youth and families, coordination with foster care treatment teams, and support for safe placements, reunification, and permanent supports. Frequent travel is necessary.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
- At least one year of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, or trauma-informed care is preferred, preferably in a home-based or community setting.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes 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; frequent travel is necessary.
- Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrated understanding of equity and inclusive practices in service delivery.
- 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) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
- At least 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.
Responsibilities
- Assess family strengths and needs, identify problem areas, and use treatment approaches 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 promptly and comprehensively.
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent requirements, and necessary releases of information.
- Conduct casework contacts with families at least twice a month, as needed, in home and community settings, with a focus 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 implementing permanent supports and resources, such as identifying mentors, arranging after-school recreational and job opportunities, and developing relapse prevention programs.
- Plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
