FOSTERING PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Job Category: Fostering Prevention

Job Status: Full-time

Reports to: Fostering Prevention Program Manager

About FosterAdopt Connect:

FosterAdopt Connect (FAC) works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child

welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over

20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive, diverse and

inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and

adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time.

Job Summary: The Fostering Prevention Specialist provides assistance to families deemed at-risk of having their children enter foster care. Fostering Prevention Specialists provide flexible and responsive services to families based on individual needs including but not limited to accessing health care and legal services, support groups, advocacy, parent curriculum training for the purpose of strengthening the family while promoting stability for the children in their care.

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Accept referrals from the community via phone, email communication, and walk-ins of families needing help to provide effective care to children.

· Respond to referrals within one (1) business day.

· Prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

· Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions.

· Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed.

· Provide families with information and community referrals.

· Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to receiving services.

· Create a plan, in partnership, with the parent to meet identified needs.

· Ensure families have access to benefits for which they are eligible, including the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and respite care services.

· Assist parents in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems.

· Improve parents’ social support systems (i.e. professional agencies, support groups, parent groups, professional helpers, etc.).

· Improve family resources by coordinating with community resources (i.e. basic needs items, tutoring resources, recreational activities, scholarships, etc.).

· Make referrals or otherwise implement strategy in partnership with families.

· Collect and record all data on presenting problems and resources/supports given in FAC client database system.

· Complete and maintain up-to-date documentation of families/clients in a timely manner. Documentation should be completed within two (2) days of family contact.

· Liaison with key community stakeholders and develop open and clear communication with those partners. Attend community meetings as needed.

· Participate in staff meetings, and assist other program staff as needed.

· Analyze data to identify trends and directions for future systemic advocacy efforts.

· When possible, participate in task forces, in-services, trainings, and other community educational networking opportunities to educate others about FAC’s programs and to promote partnerships and sponsorships whenever possible.

· Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.

· Participate in ongoing meetings/professional memberships and trainings as required by the Program Director/COO.

· Participate as an active team member with all agency departments (i.e. attend meetings as assigned, ensure availability of residents for scheduled on and off campus appointments, etc.) so the agency’s efforts to assist clients and maintain licensing/contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

· Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in social work (preferred) or in related human services field.

· Previous child welfare experience required; three (3) years preferred.

· Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.

· Outstanding organizational and planning skills.

· Solid commitment to the principles of support and advocacy for relative and kinship families, and personal experience or connection is preferred.

· The ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes, using excellent interpersonal skills in multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic professional teams.

· Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.

· Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills. Must have ability to quickly establish rapport and build trust.

· Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented while meeting all deadlines.

· Experience working with marginalized communities with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions.

· Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations.

· Travel required to attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation.

· Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.

Compensation & Benefits

· Compensation commensurate with experience.

· Comprehensive benefits package including:

o Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.

o Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents.

o Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution.

o Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.

o Voluntary life and short-term disability options available.

o 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

o Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options.

o Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered.

o Generous paid time off and holidays.

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members.