Resource Parent Support Worker

Default Brand; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance $20,000 via Mutual of  

Long-term disability (LTD) and AD&D

401(k) with company match

Educational expense reimbursement

Generous paid leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Self-funded legal services

Job summary

Default Brand seeks a Resource Parent Support Worker to provide direct support to resource parents, promoting the well-being, stability, and permanency of children in care. The role involves community-based work, coordination with education and healthcare providers, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 3 years in child welfare or juvenile justice, with strong communication skills and case-management knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as listed in the qualifications.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in child welfare or juvenile justice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of the child welfare system and case management practices.
• Ability to assess training needs and provide coaching to resource parents.
• Proficiency with computer-based documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face support to resource caregivers, minimum once per month, with more frequent contacts for new placements or when needed.
• Conduct initial in-person contact with the resource caregiver within three business days of placement.
• Support caregivers in stabilizing the child or youth in the home and school setting, including trauma-based behavior understanding.
• Facilitate communication between resource parents and education, medical, dental or other service providers.
• Ensure compliance with medication administration and documentation.
• Maintain monthly visitation schedules with resource families.
• Advocate for consumer needs and obtain necessary resources and supports.
• Communicate safety concerns promptly to the Foster Care Supervisor.
• Coordinate with the Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to bridge communication barriers.
• Attend CUA case manager quality visits, team meetings, Family Court, JPO-facilitated teamings, and other required meetings.
• Obtain and share required documents, including medical, dental, behavioral health consents, school documents, and treatment records.
• Develop and implement Transportation, Crisis, Respite, and Individual Resource Parent Support Plans within specified time frames.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation per 3700 Foster Family Regulations and internal policy.
• Participate in certification, training, and professional development as required.
• Monitor safety plans, transportation arrangements, and regulatory updates.

Skills

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

Case management

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Documentation software

Job description

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Foster Care Director, the Resource Parent Support Worker (RPSW) provides direct support to resource parents to promote the well‑being, stability and permanency of children or youth in care. The RPSW works in the community to support families, maintain safety, facilitate communication, and coordinate services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide face‑to‑face support to resource caregivers, minimum once per month, with more frequent contacts for new placements or when needed.
• Conduct initial in‑person contact with the resource caregiver within three business days of placement.
• Support caregivers in stabilizing the child or youth in the home and school setting, including trauma‑based behavior understanding.
• Facilitate communication between resource parents and education, medical, dental or other service providers.
• Ensure compliance with medication administration and documentation.
• Maintain monthly visitation schedules with resource families.
• Advocate for consumer needs and obtain necessary resources and supports.
• Communicate safety concerns promptly to the Foster Care Supervisor.
• Coordinate with the Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to bridge communication barriers.
• Attend CUA case manager quality visits, team meetings, Family Court, JPO‑facilitated teamings, and other required meetings.
• Obtain and share required documents, including medical, dental, behavioral health consents, school documents, and treatment records.
• Develop and implement Transportation, Crisis, Respite, and Individual Resource Parent Support Plans within specified time frames.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation per 3700 Foster Family Regulations and internal policy.
• Participate in certification, training, and professional development as required.
• Monitor safety plans, transportation arrangements, and regulatory updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Child Development, Counseling, Public Health, Behavioral Science or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in child welfare or juvenile justice.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong knowledge of the child welfare system and case management practices.
• Ability to assess training needs, develop training programs, and provide coaching to resource parents.
• Proficiency in using computer for documentation and communication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk up/down stairs, climb, reach, bend.
• Capacity to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
• Ready to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

Trauma‑Informed Behavior

• Willingness to learn and maintain a trauma‑informed culture.
• Commitment to a therapeutic environment that promotes safety, non‑violence, and resilience.
• Use of person‑first, strengths‑based language.
• Effective communication and understanding of trauma impact.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time employees.
• Life insurance $20,000 via Mutual of Omaha, plus LTD and AD&D coverage.
• Additional self‑funded insurance plans (accident, cancer, critical illness, short‑term disability).
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match after one year.
• NCSEducationalExpense Reimbursement program.
• Generous paid leave (time off, sick leave).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling.
• Self‑funded legal services support.

ADA & Accessibility

We recognize the importance of accommodations for individuals with disabilities. All accommodations will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis to ensure the essential functions of the position.

EEO Statement

DISCRIMINATION IS PROHIBITED IN EMPLOYMENT, PROMOTION, ASSIGNMENT OR DISMISSAL, ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP, OR RECEIPT OF SERVICES FOR MENTAL DISABILITY.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.