Foster Care Specialist
About The Position
Youth Villages’ Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for children and adolescents in foster care, while supporting foster parents and advocating for each youth’s best interests. The program serves youth ages 0 to 18 who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect and may have behavioral or mental health needs. Its parent-centered treatment model supports positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments, while working toward family reunification whenever possible or permanency through adoption. Youth and foster families receive 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 position includes three weekly professional development meetings—individual, team, and clinical consultation—along with crisis support, documentation, and other assigned duties. 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.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a social services discipline; qualifying fields may include social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees are subject to review.
- 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.
- Current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
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, 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 (EMR).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage.
- 401(k).
- Two weeks of paid vacation for full-time employees or 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 for growth and development.
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
