Foster Care Family Specialist

TOGETHER for Youth; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

TOGETHER for Youth seeks a Family Specialist to coordinate comprehensive case management for youth and families, ensuring safety, permanency, and well-being for youth in foster care.

You will assess family needs, develop treatment and discharge plans, and support reunification efforts while maintaining timely documentation and confidentiality. Flexibility in hours and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field is required.
• Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• 1 year of direct experience with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care preferred.
• Flexible schedule that includes evenings and on-call responsibilities; valid driver’s license required.
• Access to a reliable vehicle; frequent travel may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate comprehensive case management plans for youth and families.
• Assess family strengths and needs; develop treatment and discharge plans.
• Assist with reunification and permanency resources.
• Ensure counseling sessions and medical/dental examinations are scheduled.
• Maintain timely, confidential documentation and reporting.
• Conduct home and community visits at least twice a month.
• Attend treatment review meetings and coordinate with foster care teams.
• Plan transportation for visits, appointments, and court obligations.
• Engage youth and families with empathetic, trauma-informed approach.
• Identify mentors and after-school/job opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Engagement with diverse families

Case management

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related

Master’s degree in MSW, MHC, MFT or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based documentation systems

Job description

The Family Specialist is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of youth in foster care.Schedule8:30AM-5PM, some evenings required, flexible schedule dependent on case needs.Job ResponsibilitiesConducts assessment of family’s strengths and needs; assesses problem areas and utilizes various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.Participates in development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plan. Develops alternative placement or permanency resources for youth that may not return to their families. Completes a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.Delivers effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations. Tracks and monitors services provided, completes all documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner. Ensures compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent and necessary release of information.Conducts casework contacts with families, as needed but at least twice a month, in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals. Engages youth and family by developing effective and caring relationship. Ensures children are maintained in safe, secure environments.Acts as a bridge between youth and family, and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face-to-face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc. Attend treatment review meetings.Assists with reunification of youth with family, community, school by implementing permanent supports and resources including but not limited to identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after school recreational and job opportunities and developing a relapse prevention program.Job RequirementsMinimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.A Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.Preferred 1 years of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care preferably in a home-based, or community setting.Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings, and occasional on-call responsibilities.Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.Access to a reliable vehicle is required, as frequent travel is necessary.Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.Demonstrated understanding of, equity, and inclusive practices in service delivery.Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.Proficient in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.Equal Employment OpportunityTFY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity.We take actions as an equal opportunity employer to attract, promote, and retain the most fully qualified candidates without regard to race, traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), creed, color, national origin, ancestry/place of birth, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy related condition), gender identity or expression, reproductive health decision making, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, familial status, partnership status, veteran status, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, stalking, or sex offense victim status, criminal conviction record, physical or mental disability, genetic information, status with respect to receiving public assistance, disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other categories protected under the law.