Foster Care Specialist

Program 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 families Provides services to the entire family—not just the identified youth—to build trust and support treatment alignment Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills Provides 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 assigned Additional 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 license Qualifications: 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 detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule