Foster Home Developer - Garland, TX

Jonathan's Place • Garland, TX

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Jonathan's Place is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Foster Home Developer to support the recruitment, assessment, certification, and development of foster and adoptive families. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that children in care are matched with safe, nurturing, and appropriate family environments. The Foster Home Developer works closely with prospective foster and adoptive parents throughout the certification process and serves as an ambassador for Jonathan's Place within the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Ability to successfully pass background checks and meet licensing requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport with diverse populations.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with referral sources, clients, foster families, prospective foster parents, agencies, and community partners.
• Ability to discuss sensitive and personal topics with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to facilitate orientations, training, and informational sessions for prospective foster families and community stakeholders.
• Strong interviewing and assessment skills.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and grammatically sound home studies and assessments.
• Ability to accurately document observations, findings, and recommendations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be candid, assertive, and constructive when addressing concerns, challenges, or barriers with families.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and plan long and short-term goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of computer programs and databases including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook and Publisher), Internet Explorer, and Extended Reach.
• Must have working knowledge of the Internet and ability to correspond via e- mail.
• Must maintain a current drivers’ license and favorable driving record as condition of employment.
• Must have current vehicle insurance.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Jonathan's Place.
• Child-centered and family-focused approach.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse family systems.
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.
• Measures self against standard of excellence.
• Recognizes and acts on opportunities.
• Sets and achieves challenging goals.
• Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Exhibits good listening and comprehension.
• Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form.
• Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally.
• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Develops new approaches to meeting client needs.
• Establishes client service standards.
• Monitors client satisfaction.
• Promotes client focus.
• Provides training in client service delivery.
• Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth.
• Includes subordinates in planning.
• Makes self-available to subordinates.
• Provides direction and gains compliance.
• Provides regular performance feedback.
• Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities.
• Integrates changes smoothly.
• Plans for additional resources.
• Priorities and plans for work activities.
• Set goals and objectives.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Works in an organized manner.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Identifies problems in a timely manner.
• Resolves problems in early stages.
• Works well in group problem solving situations.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in foster care, adoption services, child welfare, family preservation, or a related field preferred.
• Experience conducting interviews, assessments, case documentation, and home studies are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, assess, and support individuals and families seeking to foster or adopt children.
• Conduct home visits, home studies, and pre-licensure/pre-certification assessments.
• Complete foster care and adoptive home studies in accordance with agency, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct interviews and gather information necessary to determine suitability for foster care licensure and adoption approval.
• Assess family strengths, needs, motivations, and readiness to provide care for children.
• Make recommendations regarding foster home licensure and placement appropriateness.
• Assist prospective foster families through all phases of the certification process.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to licensing and certification requirements.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, state regulations, and licensing standards.
• Compile and maintain certification binders and support documentation for administrative review and approval.
• Monitor and track completion of required training, background checks, and licensing requirements.
• Coordinate and document pre-certification training activities for prospective foster and adoptive families.
• Facilitate or assist with foster parent orientations and training sessions.
• Participate in recruitment events, community outreach activities, partner meetings, and public awareness initiatives.
• Develop positive relationships with referral sources, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide consultation and support to prospective foster and adoptive families during the approval process.
• Collaborate with agency staff to identify appropriate foster home resources for children in need of placement.
• Attend staff meetings, provide professional development opportunities, and training required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support agency operations and program success.

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level