Home Study Contractor

FaithBridge•Alpharetta, GA

20h

About The Position

The home study contractor is responsible for completing foster and/or adoptive home studies for the purpose of recommending approval or re-approval for prospective or current foster, respite or adoptive families. The home study contractor assesses, evaluates and helps to train potential and current foster and/or adoptive families. The person in this position may recommend additional counseling or training for the family as part of the home development process. Core Responsibilities and Expectations Determines suitability of prospective and current foster care / adoptive home families. This includes preparation of comprehensive psycho-social home study, interviewing of foster / adoptive parent applicants to evaluate the family’s motivation, functioning and dynamics, and collecting and interpreting collateral information. Assessment is completed according to agency standards for foster or adoptive parent competencies. Assures compliance of foster / adoptive home providers with program policies and state licensing or certification requirements. Seeks clarification from their manager in areas of uncertainty. Provides an awareness of potentially serious problems which may arise in the foster / adoptive care homes and alerts management of such concerns, especially those which may have legal risk or safety ramifications. Consultation with agency staff regarding the selecting of a foster or adoptive home for a child a child and the transition of that child to the home. May also be responsible for recruiting and training or assisting in the training of foster and/or adoptive parents. This position is expected to use computers in the performance of writing and producing foster and adoptive home studies. Additionally, all home study paperwork is uploaded and managed in the agency case management online system. Ensures accuracy of all records, reports and documentation and maintains organized files. Completes documentation accurately, thoroughly and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations. Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values, and cultural covenant. Contributes toward a team oriented culture and works well with others. Maintains confidentiality of client’s and agency information. Supports a goal that has children and families best interest at all times and is an active advocate for children and families. Understands and supports family systems. Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity and other issues of diversity. Maintains timely communication with others and is able to effectively meets deadlines. Treats clients, staff, foster parents and external contacts with respect and dignity. Displays a strong discernment and decision making skills. Displays effective, clear, concise writing skills. Maintains a spiritual growth and a relationship with Christ through devotions. Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings. Completes other duties as assigned. This position may require work on nights and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree an accredited college or university in the area of behavioral or social sciences, social work, guidance counseling, psychology childhood education, special education or related field.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in child welfare, preferably in licensing foster or adoptive families.
Strong interpersonal skills, maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients, staff, foster parents and families served.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work within a team.
Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic and confidential manner.
Knowledge of community resources and services.
Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner.
Ability to use passive vocabulary of 5,000-6,000 words; to read at an above-average rate; define unfamiliar words in dictionaries for meaning, spelling, and pronunciation.
Ability to write complex sentences, using proper punctuation, and using adjectives and adverbs.
Ability to communicate in complex sentences; using normal word order with present and past tenses; using a good vocabulary.
Knowledge of normal business computer skills.
Competent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information.
Ability to physically transport self and clients to various locations.
Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GA+SCORE, IMPACT, and SAFE curriculum preferred, but not required.
Must successfully complete SAFE Home Study and IMPACT FCP Leader training upon hire.

Responsibilities

Determines suitability of prospective and current foster care / adoptive home families.
Assures compliance of foster / adoptive home providers with program policies and state licensing or certification requirements.
Provides an awareness of potentially serious problems which may arise in the foster / adoptive care homes and alerts management of such concerns, especially those which may have legal risk or safety ramifications.
Consultation with agency staff regarding the selecting of a foster or adoptive home for a child a child and the transition of that child to the home.
May also be responsible for recruiting and training or assisting in the training of foster and/or adoptive parents.
Ensures accuracy of all records, reports and documentation and maintains organized files.
Completes documentation accurately, thoroughly and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations.
Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values, and cultural covenant.
Contributes toward a team oriented culture and works well with others.
Maintains confidentiality of client’s and agency information.
Supports a goal that has children and families best interest at all times and is an active advocate for children and families.
Understands and supports family systems.
Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity and other issues of diversity.
Maintains timely communication with others and is able to effectively meets deadlines.
Treats clients, staff, foster parents and external contacts with respect and dignity.
Displays a strong discernment and decision making skills.
Displays effective, clear, concise writing skills.
Maintains a spiritual growth and a relationship with Christ through devotions.
Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings.
Completes other duties as assigned.