Foster Care Specialist

Child Saving Institute•Omaha, NE

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

In the community-based program foster care role you provide direct support, case management, and community-based services to foster families and the children placed in their care. This role works in home-, school-, and community-based settings and is expected to flex across multiple CSI foster care and community-based programs in Iowa, Nebraska, or other states as program needs require. The Specialist's primary role is to support placement stability, coordinate services, and connect foster families and children with the resources needed for long-term success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field. Lived experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
A minimum of one year's experience in Human Services or foster care preferred.
Minimum age of 21 years.
Basic computer skills, including ability to effectively use an electronic client and other databases.
Required knowledge of and skills in: the child welfare and foster care system, permanency planning, trauma-informed care, family functioning, and child development.
Working knowledge of foster care licensing and regulatory requirements across multiple states, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn state-specific requirements.
Ability to work autonomously and make appropriate decisions in crisis situations.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly between multiple states as program needs require.
Own transportation that meets agency vehicle inspection requirements.
Valid driver's license with no more than 6 points.
Proof of insurance that meets agency requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience Considered

Responsibilities

Provide home-, school-, and/or community-based support to foster families and children, with a minimum of 50% of time spent in direct service provision.
Conduct regular home visits to monitor placement stability, safety, and the well-being of children in foster care.
Complete case notes, service plans, and home visit reports in accordance with agency protocol and applicable state licensing/regulatory requirements (e.g., Iowa DHS, Nebraska DHHS).
Coordinate with case managers, courts, biological families, schools, and other service providers to support permanency planning and advocate on behalf of children and families.
Assist foster families in accessing training, respite, and community resources; help build informal support systems.
Participate in team meetings, court hearings, and permanency planning meetings as needed.
Respond to placement disruptions or crises and provide crisis intervention and stabilization support.
Support foster family recruitment and retention efforts as assigned.
Travel across program sites and, as assigned, across state lines to provide coverage and support to multiple CSI programs.
Collect statistics and implement quality improvement procedures as defined by program assignment.
Drive to and from appointments and home visits across the assigned service area, including travel between states as program needs require.
Participate in supervision sessions as required.
Complete all training necessary to perform the position, including any state-specific foster care training or certification requirements.
Show flexibility regarding work schedule (to be determined by supervisor).
Evening and weekend work is required.
Facilitate a team atmosphere by working in partnership with staff across multiple programs and states.
Represent the agency and programs in a positive manner to clients, foster families, community organizations, and the public in general.
Plan, organize, and support trainings for foster families as assigned.
Other tasks as assigned.