IPS Foster Parent Support Specialist

• Reports to the Child Abuse Hotline as directed by the Mandated Reporter Act.
•  The FPSS will provide exceptional customer service to parents, foster caregivers, referring case agencies, and other team members.
• The FPSS will Maintain discretion, as they are entrusted with a client’s personal information and knowledge of their unique situation. This confidentiality extends to ensuring client data is secure.
• Reports any exposure to communicable diseases.
• Submits expense vouchers, renewed driver's licenses, and automobile insurance coverage on the due date.
• The FPSS will ensure weekly filing of all FPSS documents in client files.
• Conducts frequent regional and all-state in-person and virtual team meetings with staff, referring case agency and community partners.
• Participates in frequent agency management meetings and work groups.
• Position requires lived experience in fostering youth or experience in foster care services

• The FSS provides an additional layer of support dedicated to foster caregivers; the individual is a former foster parent who is trained on the impact of trauma and is also trained in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) treatment.
• The FSS works with IPS clinicians to provide mentorship for new foster caregivers, supporting the collaborative relationship between the IPS clinician and the family.
• FPSS will consult with the IPS supervisor after receiving a referral from an IPS case manager or clinician.
• The FPSS participates in IPS provider, school, clinical, and child and family team meetings with caregivers, providing emotional support and understanding along with advocacy with referring case and state agencies and community partners.
• The FPSS conducts training on DCFS Rules and Procedures related to foster caregiver responsibilities for youth in care.
• The FPSS conducts training on DCFS caregiver rights and processes associated with those rights.
• The FPSS provides resources and will model with caregivers Prudent Parenting/Nurturing Parenting Techniques using a trauma/ARC lens.
• The FPSS advocates for caregivers working with referring agencies and community providers.
• The FPSS teaches foster caregivers how to advocate for themselves and for youths in their care when they must interface with larger systems.
• The FPSS participates in quarterly trauma-informed parenting training groups offered by IPS clinicians to caregivers.
• Assist in the assessment of foster caregivers via the utilization of the Childs and Needs Assessment Tool (CANS).
• The FPSS will conduct weekly home visits and remote sessions with foster caregivers for the facilitation of services as deemed appropriate.
• Provide onsite and virtual crisis support to foster caregivers as needed.
• The FPSS develops and supports monthly foster parent support groups.
• The FPSS will participate in weekly IPS Check-Ins with all state IPS and FPSS teams.
• The FPSS will participate in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor's degree preferred

• 1 - 3 years of experience in a foster caregiving role; parenting training and knowledge of DCFS policies and procedures required
• 1 - 3 years of experience in childcare work, Social Services, advocacy work with schools/state & private state holders, mentoring, or equivalent combination of education or experience preferred

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance required. 
• Reliable transportation
• DCFS background clearance

• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days ; up to 6 paid Personal Days and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
• Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, health savings account, and short-term disability options
• Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
• Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans
• Agency paid long term after 1 year of employment
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Discounted child care tuition for OHU employees at our highly rated OHU Child Care facilities
• Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations

• 800 talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, Missouri and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $50 Million agency-- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

Salary : $2,500 - $50,000