Foster Care Specialist - Columbia, TN

Homeword; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in children's mental health is seeking dedicated Foster Care Specialists to support families in crisis. This role involves hands-on work with families, providing in-home treatment and advocating for children's best interests. The position offers a flexible schedule, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth. Join a mission-driven organization that values diversity and inclusion, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the nation.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Mileage Reimbursement

Cell Phone Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Licensure Supervision

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social services required; Master's preferred.
• Experience in adolescent counseling and familiarity with foster care system preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 8-10 families, delivering in-home services.
• Participate in on-call rotation and document progress online.

Skills

Adolescent Counseling

Communication Skills

Time Management

Basic Computer Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Services

Master's Degree in Social Work or Related Field

Job description

Youth Villages has been a national leader in implementing research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health for over 35 years, offering a comprehensive array of programs and services to help troubled children and their families succeed.

If you seek a positive career move that challenges you and allows you to make a meaningful difference, Youth Villages is the right place. We value individuals with a strong sense of purpose and focus, committed to building confidence in themselves and our organization.

Areas of Responsibility

Program Overview

Our Foster Care program supports children in foster care by discussing their referral issues and reasons for placement. Foster Care Specialists act as liaisons between the child and the court, advocating for the child's best interests. The program employs intensive in-home treatment focused on family, school, community, and peer group interventions.

Position Overview

Specialists serve entire families, working hands-on to build trust and align them with treatment plans. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of 8-10 families, delivering flexible, in-home or community-based services, and participating in an on-call rotation. Documentation is web-based and accessible remotely. Regular meetings with supervisors ensure ongoing progress and development.

Additional Information

Leadership support is available for challenging situations. All specialists undergo thorough training to enhance clinical skills. The schedule is flexible and based on family availability, with requirements including a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and auto insurance. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Skills/Experience

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline is required; a Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Relevant fields include social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees require evaluation.
• Experience in adolescent counseling and familiarity with the foster care system are preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.
• Basic computer skills, schedule flexibility, and own vehicle with liability insurance are required.

Salary ranges from $52,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on education and licensure. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, parental leave, mileage and cell phone reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, licensure supervision, and opportunities for growth and advancement.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We actively work to address inequities faced by children and families of color and promote a respectful, inclusive workplace.

We believe that a stable family and strong support system are key to a child's success.

Programs

We provide support for children and young people across the U.S. facing emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. Using proven treatment models, we aim to strengthen families and improve long-term outcomes, serving over 30,000 young people and families annually.