Kinship Foster Care Specialist

Buckner International•Dallas, TX

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Kinship Foster Care Specialist to join our Foster Care & Adoption. As a Kinship Foster Care Specialist, is will be responsible for the recruitment and licensing process of kinship caregivers. The specialist will support and sustain a safe verified Kinship foster home placement and prepare the family to continue with Aftercare Services. The specialist will provide the development and provision of services to achieve permanency.

Requirements

Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with the attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field. Bachelor’s Degree in human services or other related field required. Master’s Degree is preferred.
Minimum 2 years prior related experience with kinship caregiver required. 4 years of experience preferred.
Requires knowledge and understanding of the dynamics related to working with kinship caregivers.
Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Counseling and/or social work licensure is preferred.
Master’s Degree is preferred.
4 years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of the Foster Care team to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of foster children during the time they are placed in a Buckner kinship foster home, as outlined in each client’s plan of service.
Consult with CPS on appropriate referrals to Buckner for kinship care referrals as well as how Buckner can provide support to kinship caregivers for successful permanency.
Participate in recruiting opportunities of kinship caregiver to become a licensed foster parent through DFPS/SSCC or local community presentations.
Assist kinship caregivers through the verification process, as well as provide on-going support and enhanced technical assistance.
Participate in the screening and licensing of potential kinship caregivers as a member of the team.
Participate in facilitating training for kinship caregivers to provide them with pre-service and continuing education.
Complete home studies for potential kinship caregivers as a part of the licensing process.
Monitoring licensed Kinship Caregivers foster homes in accordance with Minimum Standards and DFPS/SSCC contracts.
Participate in regular supervision and support with the client and kinship caregivers during frequent home visits, office visits, and telephone contact as is required by state licensing and Buckner policy and procedure.
Coordinate individual, family and/or support group counseling to foster care clients and/or kinship caregivers.
Provide counseling and crisis intervention support as required.