Foster Care Specialist

Youth Villages•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Youth Villages’ Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for each youth’s best interests. The program serves children and adolescents ages 0 to 18 who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect and may have behavioral or mental health needs. Its parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments, while working toward family reunification whenever possible or permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists. The Foster Care Specialist carries a caseload of 8 to 10 families and provides services to the entire family, not only the identified youth. The role includes regular individual, team, and clinical consultation meetings, crisis support, and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. Applicants must have a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff are reimbursed for applicable mileage. Salary is $52,000 to $60,000 per year, based on education and license.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a social services discipline. Considered fields include social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, and marriage and family therapy; other degrees are subject to review.
Current, valid driver’s license.
Automobile for work purposes and proof of auto insurance.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the foster care system.
Experience counseling adolescents in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

Carry a caseload of 8 to 10 families.
Provide services to the entire family to build trust and support treatment alignment.
Attend three weekly meetings: individual, team, and clinical consultation meetings to support professional development and enhance clinical skills.
Provide on-call crisis support to youth and families; schedules vary by location.
Complete accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage.
401(k).
Two weeks of paid vacation for full-time employees; one week for part-time employees.
12 paid sick days per year.
11 paid holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Mileage and cell phone reimbursement when applicable.
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision.
Continuous training and opportunities for growth and development.
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.