Home Finder I

Hillside

17d•$20 - $28

About The Position

The Home Finder I recruits and trains, high-quality foster/kinship homes. The Home Finder I develops strong working relationships with Department of Social Services (DSS) staff in order to partner in the successful preparedness of County foster/kinship homes to be certified. Essential Job Functions Recruit and train high-quality foster/kinship homes Organize, coordinate, and facilitate foster/kinship parent recruitment events and training schedules. Identify the relevant curriculum and provide training, 1:1 or in groups, for potential foster parents/kinship caregivers to assist them in meeting certification requirements. Partner with DSS to understand the placement needs of youth in the county so that training reflects those needs. Identify additional resources and/or training needed to ensure the foster/kinship parents are capable and confident in addressing the needs of youth in foster or kinship care. Share ongoing assessment of the appropriateness and development of individuals in the training class with the Department of Social Services (DSS) workers. While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth and/or families.
Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
Ability to successfully understand and teach the identified curriculum to train potential foster parent/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 all federal, state, and local statutes, regulatory agency standards and Hillside policies.
Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
Sitting (up to 6 hours)
Occasional standing (up to 2 hour)
Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
Driving (several times a week up to 6 hours)
Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
Weekly lifting up to 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, or smoke is apparent
Ability to change positions as needed

Responsibilities

Recruit and train high-quality foster/kinship homes
Organize, coordinate, and facilitate foster/kinship parent recruitment events and training schedules.
Identify the relevant curriculum and provide training, 1:1 or in groups, for potential foster parents/kinship caregivers to assist them in meeting certification requirements.
Partner with DSS to understand the placement needs of youth in the county so that training reflects those needs.
Identify additional resources and/or training needed to ensure the foster/kinship parents are capable and confident in addressing the needs of youth in foster or kinship care.
Share ongoing assessment of the appropriateness and development of individuals in the training class with the Department of Social Services (DSS) workers.