Foster Care Recruitment and Engagement Specialist

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc. • Buffalo, NY

2d • $23 - $25

About The Position

Child and Family Services (C+FS) Foster Care Program provides temporary, safe, and loving homes for children and supports parents/caregivers in developing the skills they need to achieve family reunification. When reunification is not possible, our program helps secure permanency through adoption. This program plays an essential role in our agency’s 150+ year mission of nurturing a healthier and more equitable Western New York.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of child welfare experience; direct foster care experience preferred
• Valid New York State driver’s license and insurance required
• Must have reliable transportation for frequent travel throughout Western New York, primarily Erie County.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes regular evening hours for home visits and community events and participation in the program’s telephonic on call rotation
• Possess strong computer/technology skills, attention to detail, and organization
• Possesses a calm, compassionate demeanor in person and on virtual platforms and telephone
• Demonstrated commitment to family-centered, trauma-informed care
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with foster parents, program staff, and external healthcare providers.
• Team player mindset with a commitment to working collaboratively within the Foster Care program and across agency departments.

Nice To Haves

• Believe that foster care is a temporary arrangement meant to support children while their families work toward reunification.
• Recognize that foster parents play a key role in ensuring children's health and well-being.
• Are passionate about advocating for vulnerable children and ensuring they receive the best possible medical care.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries and conduct initial assessments of prospective foster parents
• Actively recruit foster parents through a variety of community engagement and outreach strategies including attendance at community events that may occur during evenings and weekends
• Coordinate and conduct informational meetings (individual and group)
• Facilitate and coordinate initial and ongoing foster parent training sessions
• Become an approved National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) trainer within 12 months of hire
• Complete timely home study assessments and certification documentation
• Maintain accurate training and certification records for all foster homes
• Planning and delivery of foster parent appreciation and engagement events
• Maintain open communication with foster families, colleagues, and county partners
• Use required database[s] and other communications protocols to share information with the team and to document foster home openings, reauthorizations, and closures

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
• –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
• – Bereavement: Four Paid Days
• – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees