Foster Family Recruiter and Training Specialist

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains•Colorado Springs, CO

About The Position

The Foster Family Recruiter and Training Specialist cultivates a strong network of foster families for the foster care program and develops and implements recruitment and retention plans. The position provides initial and ongoing training to foster parents and the broader foster care network in accordance with agency, state, and federal expectations. The role calls for a creative, strategic approach to recruitment and retention, knowledge of the program, and familiarity with child welfare best practices. The Foster Care Program includes traditional foster care, the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program, and the Long Term Foster Care Program. The position supports recruitment, training, retention, and licensing activities, working with diverse families and community partners. Occasional local travel using a personal vehicle is required. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for trainings and events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences, human services, or social services.
Maintain a valid driver's license.
Carry personal auto liability insurance at the level of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
Skills in active listening, speaking, writing, service orientation, and social perceptiveness.
Familiarity with, or ability to learn, social work practice, human development, the child welfare system, family systems, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and ability to protect confidential information.
Ability to adapt teaching strategies to learners’ capabilities, needs, and goals.
Ability to respond to inquiries and facilitate prospective foster parent applications.

Nice To Haves

Child welfare and/or case management experience is strongly encouraged.
Experience maintaining organized, complete, and accurate files, including regular compliance audits.
Experience supporting program activities and foster parent recognition and retention events.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the scheduling, development, and implementation of recruitment activities to maintain a pool of diverse and culturally sensitive families.
Develop strategic partnerships with community stakeholders.
Oversee ongoing foster parent trainings, hire speakers, and maintain training records.
Develop and manage the recruitment and retention plan, including facilitating supportive activities for existing foster families.
Develop resources for foster families, including access to cultural, sporting, and recreational events.
Support licensing responsibilities as needed.
Conduct home visits for initial licensure and license renewal as needed.
Process initial applications and paperwork from prospective foster parents and facilitate the application process.
Support program activities, including event arrangements, securing donations of supplies or services, and foster parent recognition and retention activities.
Maintain organized, complete, and accurate files and conduct regular audits for compliance.
Provide services sensitively to youth and families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.