Home Finder I

Hillside Childrens Center • Syracuse, NY

10d

About The Position

The Home Finder I recruits and trains high-quality foster and kinship homes, and develops strong working relationships with Department of Social Services (DSS) staff to help prepare county foster and kinship homes for certification. The role includes organizing recruitment events and training schedules, teaching relevant curricula to prospective foster parents and kinship caregivers, and coordinating with DSS so training reflects the placement needs of youth in the county. The Home Finder I also identifies additional resources and training to help caregivers address the needs of youth in foster or kinship care, and shares ongoing assessments of training participants’ suitability and development with DSS workers. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of experience working with youth and/or families, and an unrestricted, valid New York State driver’s license held for at least one year, with a clean driving record and insurance coverage meeting agency standards. Work scheduling may vary and include evenings and weekends. Physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, driving, balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, running, twisting, and lifting up to 10–15 pounds. The role also requires manual dexterity and may involve occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, or smoke. The stated pay range is $19.50–$28.00, based on experience; the rate may include a regional and/or department premium.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience working with youth and/or families.
• Unrestricted, valid New York State driver’s license held for a minimum of one year.
• Clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
• Ability to understand and teach the identified curriculum to prospective foster parents and kinship caregivers.
• Ability to empathize with the experiences and emotions of children in foster care and their families, demonstrating sensitivity, understanding, and support.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, foster families, and professionals in the foster care system.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulatory agency standards, and Hillside policies.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to meet the described physical demands and work environment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train high-quality foster and kinship homes.
• Organize, coordinate, and facilitate foster and kinship parent recruitment events and training schedules.
• Identify relevant curricula and provide individual or group training to prospective foster parents and kinship caregivers to help them meet certification requirements.
• Partner with DSS to understand county youth placement needs and ensure training reflects those needs.
• Identify additional resources and training needed to help foster and kinship caregivers confidently address the needs of youth in their care.
• Share ongoing assessments of training participants’ appropriateness and development with DSS workers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED