Family Support Specialist - Foster Care

Casa de los Ninos; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Casa de los Niños in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Foster Family Support Specialist to assist foster parents in obtaining placement and licensure. The role provides ongoing home evaluations, kinship support, and monitoring to ensure safety and compliance with licensing rules.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Human Services, with experience in developmentally disabled populations, and be able to travel to client homes while maintaining confidential records and adhering to program contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related Human Services field.
• Two years of related higher education in Human Services.

Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential client files and sensitive information.
• Keep accurate and timely clinical records per standards.
• Conduct home evaluations, re-evaluations, and monitoring visits.
• Provide Kinship navigation for unlicensed and licensed families.
• Assess licensing regs and recommend corrective action as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Foster Care program contracts and report requirements.
• Monitor foster family compliance with Foster Care policies.
• Present home studies and placement suitability clearly for licensure.
• Participate in family assessment, home-based support, skills training, and case coordination.
• Support case plans for DCS and DDD where applicable.

Skills

Confidential information handling

Microsoft Office proficiency

Record keeping

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Commitment to mission

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Two years of related higher education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Casa de los Niños is one of the most established and well-respected non-profit organizations in Tucson. We have been helping kids and healing families since 1973. Our services include parent education classes, Foster Care, Parents As Teachers, Behavioral Health, and Nurse-Family Partnership Program!

Job Summary

The Foster Family Support Specialist, under the Foster and Adoption Support contract and Kinship Support Services, is responsible for supporting potential foster parents in obtaining placement and/or foster care licensure. The FSS will provide support and monitoring to potential Foster Parents and Kinship Caregivers. The FSS will complete ongoing in-home evaluations and re-evaluations while meeting safety requirements set forth by DCS.

Essential Duties

• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidential/sensitive information, including client files.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite computer applications, aptitude for learning computer software applications and the ability to instruct others in various software applications.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the timely and accurate maintenance of clinical records according to organization standards.
• Provides timely, accurate and complete required periodic home evaluations/re-evaluations and on-going monitoring visits.
• Provides Kinship navigation for unlicensed and licensed Kinship families.
• Possesses knowledge and application of licensing and certification regulations, evaluating changing home environment and recommending appropriate corrective action when needed.
• Understands, ensures and complies with all facets of the Foster Care Program contractual agreements, including reporting requirements and supports organization strategic plan.
• Monitors foster families for the compliance with the regulations in Foster Care policies (Title 21, Chapter 6 Foster Care License).
• Assesses and presents home studies to with a description of families in a factual manner to complete the process of licensure and re-licensure and/or appropriateness of placement.
• Participates in daily activities essential to completing program objectives: family assessment, home-based family support, parental skills training, case coordination, case plan development, and documentation of services.
• Possesses knowledge and skill in individual and family group processes; and supports the case plan for DCS and DDD (when applicable).
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of cultural sensitivity to situations involving children, foster families and biological families.
• Engages in community and internal outreach activities and recruitment/retention of adoption and foster care families.
• Identifies and guides potential Foster Parents and Kinship Caregivers through necessary resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in related Human Services field.
• Two (2) years of higher education in related Human Services field.
• Two (2) years of related work experience including working with developmentally disabled children and adults.
• CPR/ First Aid Certification.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients' homes and/or other relevant organizations/agencies.
• On-call 24 hours a day during weekday and schedule on the weekend for client's needs.
• Spanish speaking preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to meet training and organization requirements for the position.
• Must foster an environment that is solution-focused, dedicated, and compassionate to support the organization's mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Must exhibit a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members.
• Must possess or be able to qualify for and maintain a valid Arizona department of public safety level one fingerprint clearance card.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and be insurable under the organization's automobile policy.
• Must be able to clear Department of Child Safety (DCS) Central Registry.
• Must be able to clear a random annual drug screen.

Our Mission

Casa de los Niños promotes child well-being and family stability in our community. We place top priority on hiring and growing a team of knowledgeable, passionate, creative, and diverse individuals who have a strong desire to empower children and families within our community. More information about us and our current job openings is available at www.casadelosninos.org. Casa de los Niños is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, veteran status, gender identity, gender(sex), sexual orientation, or familial status.

Must be able to clear a random annual drug screen.