Foster Care Specialist

Socket.dev; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Saving Institute in Omaha, NE is seeking a Foster Care Specialist to provide direct support to foster families and children across home-, school-, and community-based settings. The role requires coordination with multiple partners to promote placement stability and long-term success.

The position involves home visits, case planning, and frequent collaboration with schools, courts, and service providers, with travel across Nebraska and other states as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field required; lived experience may be considered.
• Minimum 1 year experience in Human Services or foster care preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide home-, school-, and community-based support to foster families and children, with at least 50% direct service.
• Conduct regular home visits to monitor placement stability and safety.
• Complete case notes, service plans, and reports per agency protocol and licensing rules.
• Coordinate with case managers, courts, families, and schools to support permanency planning.
• Travel across program sites and states to provide coverage and support.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Mary Holland Campus (Headquarters) - Omaha, NE 68132

Foster Care Specialist Location: Mary Holland Campus and Servicing Area

Pay: $22.00+ (Experience Considered) + Eligible for 10% Bilingual Differential

About CSI

Our story begins in Omaha in 1892, when, due to epidemics, poverty and the difficulties of pioneer life, many children were left in need of parental care. CSI met the need in a revolutionary way – putting the well-being of children first and working to be a voice for the voiceless. We seek to champion children and families by providing the mental, emotional and physical spaces they need to feel empowered and to thrive. Child Saving Institute is looking for someone who has a mind full of wonder and a heart-filled desire to make a difference! We’re on a mission to champion what’s best for each child and family.

About the Role

In the community-based program foster care role you provide direct support, case management, and community-based services to foster families and the children placed in their care. This role works in home-, school-, and community-based settings and is expected to flex across multiple CSI foster care and community-based programs in Iowa, Nebraska, or other states as program needs require. The Specialist's primary role is to support placement stability, coordinate services, and connect foster families and children with the resources needed for long-term success.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide home-, school-, and/or community-based support to foster families and children, with a minimum of 50% of time spent in direct service provision.
• Conduct regular home visits to monitor placement stability, safety, and the well-being of children in foster care.
• Complete case notes, service plans, and home visit reports in accordance with agency protocol and applicable state licensing/regulatory requirements (e.g., Iowa DHS, Nebraska DHHS).
• Coordinate with case managers, courts, biological families, schools, and other service providers to support permanency planning and advocate on behalf of children and families.
• Assist foster families in accessing training, respite, and community resources; help build informal support systems.
• Participate in team meetings, court hearings, and permanency planning meetings as needed.
• Respond to placement disruptions or crises and provide crisis intervention and stabilization support.
• Support foster family recruitment and retention efforts as assigned.
• Travel across program sites and, as assigned, across state lines to provide coverage and support to multiple CSI programs.
• Collect statistics and implement quality improvement procedures as defined by program assignment.

Other Duties

• Drive to and from appointments and home visits across the assigned service area, including travel between states as program needs require.
• Participate in supervision sessions as required.
• Complete all training necessary to perform the position, including any state-specific foster care training or certification requirements.
• Show flexibility regarding work schedule (to be determined by supervisor). Evening and weekend work is required.
• Facilitate a team atmosphere by working in partnership with staff across multiple programs and states.
• Represent the agency and programs in a positive manner to clients, foster families, community organizations, and the public in general.
• Plan, organize, and support trainings for foster families as assigned.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field. Lived experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• A minimum of one year's experience in Human Services or foster care preferred.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Basic computer skills, including ability to effectively use an electronic client and other databases.
• Required knowledge of and skills in: the child welfare and foster care system, permanency planning, trauma-informed care, family functioning, and child development.
• Working knowledge of foster care licensing and regulatory requirements across multiple states, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn state-specific requirements.
• Ability to work autonomously and make appropriate decisions in crisis situations.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly between multiple states as program needs require.

Vehicle Requirements

• Own transportation that meets agency vehicle inspection requirements.
• Valid driver's license with no more than 6 points.
• Proof of insurance that meets agency requirements.

Environment

Most direct service work occurs in a combination of home- and community-based environments across multiple states. Work may be performed in a variety of settings, including travel to other CSI program locations, to meet department needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to type and perform other office skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel regularly, including extended periods of driving between program locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Child Saving Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Accommodation Statement

Child Saving Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources to discuss their needs.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet organizational needs.

Qualifications