Foster Care Specialist

Youth Villages; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Prescription drug coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Mileage & cell phone reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement and licensure

Job summary

You will join Youth Villages as a Foster Care Specialist in Memphis, delivering intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care and supporting foster families toward positive outcomes. Your work centers on the entire family, not just the identified youth, with weekly meetings and crisis support as needed.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a social services field, experience with foster care or counseling adolescents, and strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline is required.
• Experience with the Foster Care System is preferred.
• Experience counseling adolescents in a clinical setting is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills are required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Basic computer knowledge is expected.
• A current, valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Carries a caseload of 8 to 10 families.
• Provides services to the entire family—not just the identified youth.
• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development.
• Provides on-call crisis support to youth and family (schedules vary by location).
• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent written and verbal skills

Flexible schedule

Education

Master’s degree in social services

Tools

EMR software

Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.orgProgram Overview:Youth Villages’ Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for the best interests of each youth. The program serves children and adolescents (ages 0 to18) who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and may have behavioral and mental health needs.Our parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments – all while working diligently to achieve family reunification whenever possible or finding permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from highly trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:The Foster Care Specialist:Carries a caseload of 8 to 10 familiesProvides services to the entire family—not just the identified youth—to build trust and support treatment alignmentAttends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skillsProvides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)Performs other duties as assignedAdditional Information:Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.Salary:$54,000-$60,000 per year based on education and licenseQualifications:Master’s degree in a social services discipline (required)Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)Experience with the Foster Care System (preferred)Experience with counseling adolescents in a clinical setting (preferred)Strong organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent written, verbal, and oral skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyBasic computer knowledgeAbility to maintain a flexible scheduleYouth Villages BenefitsMedical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision401(k)Time off:2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)12 paid sick days per year11 paid holidaysPaid Parental LeaveMileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervisionGrowth & development through continuous trainingClinical and administrative advancement opportunities*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.