Caregiver Support Specialist

Partnership for Strong Families, Inc; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Partnership for Strong Families, Inc. is seeking a dedicated Caregiver Support Specialist to support licensed foster homes, ensure relicensing, and promote placement stability. You’ll build relationships, guide families, and navigate licensing processes with DCF and agency policy.

You will conduct home studies, monitor visits, provide crisis support, and advocate for caregiver needs while maintaining clear communication and strong organizational skills in a fast-paced child welfare environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology or social work required or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in child welfare preferred.
• Valid Florida driver’s license at time of hire and throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct foster home studies, family assessments, interviews, and licensing activities.
• Monitor licensed foster homes through quarterly visits and monthly contacts to ensure compliance.
• Serve as primary contact for foster families; provide support, advocacy, and timely responses.
• Assess caregiver and family needs; identify barriers to successful placements.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals to services and community resources.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or social work

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a strong foundation in child welfare? We are seeking a dedicatedCaregiver Support Specialistto join our dynamic team!

In this vital role, you’ll be the go-to expert for relicensing and supporting licensed foster homes. Your exceptional organizational skills and diligence will ensure that every foster home under your care meets the highest standards. But it’s not just about paperwork—it’s about people. You’ll build strong relationships, motivate families, and provide the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of foster care.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct foster home studies, family assessments, interviews, and licensing activities, including initial licensure, renewals, modifications, corrective action plans, and closures, in accordance with DCF, PSF, and regulatory.
• Monitor licensed foster homes through quarterly home visits, contact though monthly phone calls, inspections, and case reviews to ensure compliance with health, safety, licensing, and child welfare standards as set by DCF and agency policy.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned foster families, providing ongoing support, guidance, advocacy, and timely responses to caregiver needs and concerns. Build and maintain positive relationships with foster families to support retention, caregiver satisfaction, and placement stability.
• Assess caregiver and family needs; identify and address barriers to successful placements and overall family functioning.
• Provide crisis intervention, problem-solving assistance, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate services and community resources.

What You’ll Bring:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Two (2) of relevant experience in child welfare; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver’s license to operate the motor vehicle operated; Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Special Qualifications:

• Must obtain certification as a Child Welfare Professional and Licensing certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.

The Ideal Candidate Has:

• Knowledge of policies, regulations, and procedures related to the licensing and relicensing of foster homes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with families, providers, and community partners.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain a positive and reliable attitude concerning all aspects of working in a challenging environment, including significant patience and respect for children and families who can become quite demanding.
• Ability to make sound decisions, prioritize competing responsibilities, and work independently with minimal supervision.

PSF is an EEO/ADA/VP/Drug Free employer.

For more information about Partnership for Strong Families, please visit us atwww.pfsf.org .