What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Parent Support Specialist position at 4KIDS?
Foster Parent Support Specialist - Southwest FL
Are you called to a meaningful career advocating for Hope, Homes, and Healing for children in foster care? 4KIDS is looking for a Foster Parent Support Specialist to identify and carry out support services for our foster families and the children placed in their homes.
Job Description:
- Coordinate with DCF/Lead Agency placement to arrange for daycare, placement in school, medical appointments, etc.
- Complete and maintain necessary and appropriate paperwork for all case files, quarterly reports, court reports (if requested), program forms, etc. and assist and train foster parents in appropriate documentation according to Florida Statutes 65-C-45
- Notify case worker of paperwork needed for Client Resource Records (CRR)
- Secure and advocate for the acquisition of services and resources necessary to implement service plan
- Conduct home visits, every 90 days, with each licensed foster family
- When necessary, attend court with foster parents and advocate with Guardian Ad Litem on behalf of children placed in 4KIDS foster homes
- Maintain constant and consistent contact with foster families to provide support and be readily available to provide emergency on-call services for each foster family as needed
- Work closely with DCF/Lead Agency to assist in advocating for necessary services for children and maintaining professional inclusion for foster parent
- As necessary, attend all required in-service training, provider meetings, and staff meetings
- Coordinate and participate in foster parent support activities, such as monthly support groups and quarterly foster family social events
- Attend community meetings to represent the agency and advocate for foster parents, as needed
- Re-license the foster homes within caseload within established timelines
- Update Extended Reach as required and track due dates
- Communicates effectively with foster parents, CBC, and foster care staff and supervisor including timely return of calls and emails within acceptable agency standards
- Maintains current knowledge of Florida Statutes and CBC lead agency standards
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work or related area of study
- Completion of Child Welfare certification preferred
- Minimum of one year experience working with children in crisis; DCF experience preferred in Foster Care and/or Protective Supervision
- Must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs
- Problem Solving Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Customer service skills
- Must have reliable transportation that can be used for work purposes
- Availability to work some evening and Saturday hours as needed
- Must have and maintain a valid Florida driver's license
Why work at 4KIDS?
- Certified Best Christian Workplace for 8 years in a row
- Excellent benefit package (medical/dental/life/disability insurance and retirement plan with match provided)
- Excellent vacation and holiday benefits
- Great staff culture
- Amazing workplace environment
- Fulfilling career providing Hope, Homes & Healing for children in crisis
