Foster Care Development Specialist

HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

First Home Care, supported by Health Connect America, seeks a Foster Care Development Specialist to recruit and develop foster families, guide licensing, provide training, and build community connections that help children find safe, nurturing homes.

You will lead outreach, coordinate background checks and home studies, train prospective foster parents, and ensure licensing compliance while partnering with schools and local organizations to expand impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• 2+ years of related experience working with children and families in a therapeutic treatment environment.
• Strong communication, public speaking, organization, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and connect with prospective foster families through community outreach, presentations, networking, referrals, and one-on-one conversations—helping individuals discover their opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
• Guide prospective foster parents from inquiry through licensure, coordinating applications, background checks, training, home study requirements, documentation, and approval.
• Lead training and educational opportunities that prepare foster parents to understand the realities of foster care and confidently meet the needs of children and youth.
• Develop and support foster families ongoing through relationship-building, coaching, resources, compliance, and problem-solving.
• Manage licensing, documentation, and compliance requirements by maintaining accurate records, completing required background checks and documentation, and ensuring foster homes meet all applicable regulatory and program standards.
• Build community partnerships by increasing awareness of foster care needs and opportunities while strengthening the network of safe, stable, and nurturing homes available to children.

Skills

Relationship building

Public speaking

Communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Job description

Overview

Join Our Impactful Team at First Home Care, Supported by Health Connect America

For over 30 years, First Home Care has supported children, families, and communities across Virginia through compassionate, trauma-informed behavioral health and foster care services. Our work focuses on helping individuals remain connected to their communities while building the skills and supports needed to thrive.

Supported by Health Connect America, a multi-state behavioral health organization, our team combines deep local impact with expanded clinical resources, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities. Guided by evidence-based practices and a therapeutic mindset, we meet clients where they are — in homes, schools, communities, and office settings — walking alongside families on their path toward healing and stability.

Our Brands

Responsibilities

Base Salary: $52,000-$58,000 annually

Earn More While Making an Impact: In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for travel and phone stipends, along with performance-based incentives for successful foster home licensing and placements. There is no cap on additional incentive earnings.

You know what children and families need. Now, help build families who make that support possible.

If working with children and families’ feels like more than a job—if it feels like your calling—this could be your next step.

As a Foster Care Development Specialist with Health Connect America, you’ll use your experience with children, families, and foster parents to make a broader impact. You’ll recruit and develop foster families, guide prospective parents through licensing, provide training and support, and build community connections that help children find safe, nurturing homes.

This role can be a natural next step for a Foster Care Case Manager, Family Support Services professional, child welfare professional, or behavioral health professional ready to expand their impact and take the next step in their career.

What You’ll Do

• Recruit and connect with prospective foster families through community outreach, presentations, networking, referrals, and one-on-one conversations—helping individuals discover their opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
• Guide prospective foster parents from inquiry through licensure, coordinating applications, background checks, training, home study requirements, documentation, and approval.
• Lead training and educational opportunities that prepare foster parents to understand the realities of foster care and confidently meet the needs of children and youth.
• Develop and support foster families ongoing through relationship-building, coaching, resources, compliance, and problem-solving.
• Manage licensing, documentation, and compliance requirements by maintaining accurate records, completing required background checks and documentation, and ensuring foster homes meet all applicable regulatory and program standards.
• Build community partnerships by increasing awareness of foster care needs and opportunities while strengthening the network of safe, stable, and nurturing homes available to children.

Qualifications

You Might Be a Great Fit If:

• You’re a Foster Care Case Manager ready for your next chapter. You know the system and want to expand your impact beyond individual cases.
• You’re a natural relationship builder. You enjoy meeting people, speaking with groups, and building trust.
• You’re the person people go to with questions. You’re good at explaining complex information, coaching others, and helping people feel prepared.
• You believe foster care is more than finding an available bed. You understand that the right foster family can change a child’s life.
• You’re ready to use your experience in a new way. Your background may be in foster care, child welfare, family services, behavioral health, or another child- and family-serving field.
• You find purpose in helping others succeed. You want to equip foster parents with the tools and confidence to make a difference.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• 2+ years of related experience working with children and families in a therapeutic treatment environment.
• Strong communication, public speaking, organization, and documentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with foster parents, community partners, and internal teams.
• Knowledge of family systems, systems of care, and community resources.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems proactively.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance in good standing.

You already know why this work matters. Now, use that experience to recruit, develop, and support the families who make successful foster care possible.

Grow your skills in Recruitment. Training. Family Development. Community Engagement. Program Growth.

Use your knowledge. Your relationships. Your passion. Turn your experience into stronger families and brighter futures for children.

Employment at Health Connect America and it's companies is contingent upon meeting the requirements of a comprehensive background investigation prior to joining our team.

Health Connect America and its companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. For more information on Equal Opportunity, please click hereEqual Employment Opportunity Posters