Clark or Cowlitz County - Placement Support Manager

Fosterful; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fosterful in Southwest Washington seeks a Placement Support Manager to influence foster placement stability through caregiver support and resource coordination. You will build trusted relationships with caregivers, maintain timely communication, and navigate complex systems to support youth in foster care.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, documenting quarterly assessments, and collaborating with DCYF partners to improve caregiver retention and placement continuity.

Qualifications

• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Background checks: Must pass criminal and child welfare background checks
• Certifications: First Aid/CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain)
• Skills: Strong communication, cultural competency, independence, mission alignment
• Preferred Experience: Case management experience with documentation and tight timelines or experience in social services organization

Responsibilities

• 1) Family assessment and support planning including Caregiver Support Plans (CSP)
• 2) Resource coordination and systems navigation across child welfare, education, healthcare, and behavioral health
• 3) Relationship development and communication with caregivers, youth, and state professionals
• 4) Professional collaboration with BCAs, Lead PSM, and Supervisor
• 5) Documentation, compliance, quarterly CSP assessments, GER reports, and program evaluation

Skills

Strong communication

Cultural competency

Independent work

Mission alignment

Education

Master’s degree in social services

Bachelor’s degree in social services

Job description

About Fosterful:

Fosterful is dedicated to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of foster families in Southwest Washington through practical support and caring connections. Join our fast-growing team transforming support for youth and families in Clark and Cowlitz County!

About this Role:

The Placement Support Manager directly influences the stability and sustainability of foster placements through excellent customer service, proactive caregiver support, and thoughtful coordination of resources and systems navigation. By building trusting relationships with caregivers and maintaining consistent, responsive communication, the Placement Support Manager plays a central role in caregiver retention and placement continuity for youth in foster care.

Success in this role is measured by caregiver retention rates, timely and accurate documentation, effective resource coordination, and consistent communication with caregivers and DCYF partners. The Placement Support Manager’s ability to anticipate needs, navigate complex systems, and provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed support contributes directly to caregiver confidence and the long-term wellbeing of children in their care.

Each foster family supported represents an opportunity to create the conditions where children experience safety, stability, and belonging — and where caregivers feel equipped, valued, and committed to their role. The Placement Support Manager’s work is foundational to Fosterful’s mission and to the broader child welfare system’s goal of ensuring every child has a nurturing, permanent place to call home.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Family Assessment & Support Planning

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of caregivers and foster children to identify strengths, needs, and priorities while developing and continually updating Caregiver Support Plans (CSP)


• Coordinate and monitor case aide services, adapting support strategies based on evolving family dynamics and needs, filling in when necessary


• Implement trauma-informed approaches that recognize and respond to the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences

2. Resource Coordination & Systems Navigation

• Identify, educate, and connect caregivers with customized resources and advocate for families within complex systems including child welfare, education, healthcare, and behavioral health


• Facilitate smooth referrals to both internal Fosterful programs and external community services


• Maintain current knowledge of available resources and eligibility requirements


• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of service referrals

3. Relationship Development & Communication

• Establish trusting relationships with caregivers, youth, and youth’s support team


• Build and maintain regular contact with state child welfare professionals


• Participate in community partner outreach events, support groups, and activities for caregivers with the goal of building community, enhancing skills, and strengthening collaboration


• Navigate complex conversations with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professional boundaries (maintain neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest)


• Utilize internal resources (supervisor, Lead PSM) to recognize and report potential conflicts of interest, boundary crossings, and violations


• Identify and advocate for external resources


• Utilize appropriate supervisory and support structures to navigate complex and challenging situations


• Attend required meetings, supervision, and at least one Fosterful event per quarter


• Communicate Fosterful events to caregivers at assigned intervals

4. Professional Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with Behavioral Case Aides (BCAs), Lead PSM, and Supervisor to collaboratively address and elevate case needs

5. Documentation, Compliance & Quality Improvement

• Maintain accurate case records and complete all required documentation within established timeframes, including Caregiver Support Plan (CSP) quarterly assessments, scheduled reports, GER reports, and mileage


• Document all caregiver interactions and monthly check-ins regarding educational, cultural, medical, and behavioral health needs


• Participate in program evaluation activities and contribute to organizational learning through team meetings and training

QUALIFICATIONS

• Transportation: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and access to reliable transportation required


• Background Checks: Must pass criminal and child welfare background checks


• Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain upon hire)


• Skills: Strong communication skills, cultural competency, ability to work independently, and alignment with Fosterful’s mission and values


• Preferred Experience: Case management experience including documentation, tight timelines, customer service, and internal stakeholder alignment; OR 1 year working in a social services organization

State Contract Requirements (DCYF)

Candidates must meet one of the following pathways:

• Master’s Degree: Master’s degree in social services or a closely related field


• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree in social services or a closely related field (staff with a Bachelor’s must consult with a Master’s-level staff member for 1 hour per every 20 hours worked)


• Experience: 5 years of full-time documented experience working with children or youth in settings such as licensed daycare/nanny, school or early learning center, mental health hospital, juvenile rehabilitation or corrections, foster care or residential program, supervised visitation, or community youth organizations

Qualifying experience may include a combination of the settings listed above. Volunteer time and internships may count toward the experience requirement.