Foster Care Specialist

Child-; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Child and Family Services is seeking a Foster Care Specialist to work alongside families and children placed in foster homes, with the goal of family reunification. This role offers meaningful, impactful work within a nonprofit setting.

The position requires a minimum 4-year degree in behavioral sciences or related fields, reliable transportation, and a valid Michigan license. Background checks are required and duties include case management, clinical services, court testimony, and supervision

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Behavioral Science, Social Services, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Early childhood studies, Family Development or related field.
• Reliable transportation and a valid Michigan driver's license with good driving record.
• Background checks are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and treatment services to children in foster care.
• Provide case management and clinical services to parents and the child during foster care and aftercare.
• Provide effective services and court testimony as needed.
• Place and supervise children in foster care.
• Support families to resolve issues leading to neglect or abuse.
• Supervise and support foster parents.
• Provide transition services to adoption for children whose parental rights were terminated.
• Complete paperwork per DHS rules and agency expectations in a timely manner.
• Coordinate visits and positive interactions during foster care with parents and others.

Skills

Case management

Clinical services

Court testimony

Foster care experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science / Social Services

Job description

• Other Compensation $20/hr
• Job Category Social Services, Child Welfare, Criminal Justice
• Industry non-profit, Child Wefare, Human Services
• Employee Type Hourly Full Time
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Email [e-mail]

Description

Child and Family Services is seeking a Foster Care Specialist to work along side families, and children placed in foster homes, with the goal of family reunification.

This rewarding work is so meaningful and we are looking for someone with a heart for this work, to join our agency.

A sample of job duties include:

• Provide case management and treatment services to children placed in Foster Care.
• Provide case management and clinical services to parents, or those legally responsible, and the child both while the children are in Foster Care and to the family once the child is returned home (aftercare supervision).
• Provide effective services and court testimony.
• Place and supervise children in Foster Care
• Provide comprehensive services to parents whose children are in Foster Care to enable them to resolve problems, which led to the neglect and/or abuse of their children.
• Supervise and support foster parents.
• Provide services related to the transition into adoption for those children who have been in Foster Care whose parental rights have been terminated.
• Complete all paperwork assignments pertaining to the Department of Human Services manual, licensing rules, and agency expectations on a timely basis.
• Comply with agency expectations related to general forms (i.e., child’s change/action form, time sheets, expense vouchers, service area statistical reports, etc.).
• Coordinate, supervise, and encourage positive interaction during visits for children in Foster Care including visits with parents, other relevant individuals, pre and post placement visits to foster homes, etc. (i.e., suggestions, games, toys, crafts, and outdoor activities).

Requirements

Qualifications: The Foster Care Specialist shall possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in: Behavioral Science, Community Services, Counseling (Psychology), Criminal Justice (Administration), Early childhood Studies, Family Ecology, Family Life Education, Family Studies, Family and/or Child Development, Guidance/School Counseling, Human Development and Family Studies, Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology; with background experience in foster care or adoption preferred.

Reliable transportation is necessary and the caseworker must have a valid, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license, a good driving record, and insurance as required by law.

Background checks are required

Summary

CFS MISSION

Our Mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of those we serve in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.

CFS VISION

Create resilient, strengths-based communities where people of all ages are safe, healthy, and thriving.

CFS CORE VALUES

We will serve our clients and each other with:

RESPECT – We will treat all of our stakeholders – clients, volunteers, staff, referral sources, and all members of our community – with compassion and dignity.

INNOVATION - We will respond to client and community needs with forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and evidence-based best practices in education and programming.

SERVICE – We will serve by providing high-quality, efficient, and versatile training and programs for the greatest benefit of all stakeholders in a clean, inviting environment.

EXCELLENCE – We will conduct ourselves with the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

STABILITY – We will consistently work together to maintain a stable organization to accomplish our mission.

SUSTAINABILITY - We are committed to environmental responsibility and protecting the world in which we and our stakeholders live.