Foster Care Home Developer

Buckner • Midland, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Foster Care Home Developer serves a strategic function in Buckner Children and Family Services’ Foster Care and Adoption Program. The role coordinates and implements efforts to recruit families to become Buckner foster parents, promotes Buckner foster care services in the community, assesses prospective families, and monitors and develops licensed foster parents.

The position coordinates recruitment according to the approved annual plan in collaboration with the foster care and adoption program and church engagement. It completes licensing, assessment, and support processes; makes recommendations regarding license utilization and renewal; and supports foster parents through training, services, monitoring, and assistance with compliance. The Home Developer also works with foster children, foster parents, placing agencies, families, and DFPS staff to support children’s needs and placements.

The position participates in local foster care capacity assessment, investigates complaints about licensed foster or adoptive homes, and provides crisis intervention while serving on a rotating on-call schedule that includes weekends and holidays. The role is hybrid and full-time, based at 425 W. Pecan, Midland, Texas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of modern methods and techniques for specialized training programs.
• Working knowledge of training program administration and available social work literature.
• Ability to develop foster parents by planning and conducting training sessions.
• Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with foster parents, staff, and other disciplines.
• Working knowledge of current social and economic problems, community and individual health, educational and recreational needs, and community and state resources.
• Proficient ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed to meet business needs.
• Ability to drive an assigned or personal vehicle, hold an appropriate state driver’s license, comply with applicable laws, provide proof of liability insurance, and qualify for coverage under Buckner’s insurance policy; must be at least 21 years old to drive on behalf of Buckner.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds continuously to move objects or people.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement foster parent recruitment according to the approved annual plan, in collaboration with the foster care and adoption program and church engagement.
• Complete required licensing, assessment, and support processes accurately and on time to ensure families meet Licensing Standards and are prepared to care for children and young adults.
• Recommend foster care license utilization, explain treatment-service needs to families, amend licenses for capacity or age ranges, and renew licenses at required intervals.
• Maintain supportive relationships with foster care resources; identify ongoing training and support needs; help obtain services; strengthen relationships with foster parents; monitor licensed homes for compliance; and help families resolve compliance issues.
• Make contact with and oversee foster children as required by state licensing and Buckner policy.
• Coordinate family visits and contact with foster parents and placing agencies or families, and assist with transportation to visits and other necessary appointments.
• Assist foster parents with age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational activities.
• Consult with DFPS staff and recommend foster family resources and support services that best meet children’s needs and maintain the least restrictive setting.
• Investigate complaints about licensed foster or adoptive homes in accordance with TDFPS requirements; identify issues; assist families in developing corrective action plans; and recommend licensing enforcement when appropriate.
• Participate in local foster care capacity needs assessment by identifying and prioritizing foster and adoptive care needs.
• Educate foster parents about special education services children in care may qualify for because of their trauma history.
• Serve on call on a rotating basis on weekends and holidays and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Administrator and appropriate law enforcement agencies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time