What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialized Foster Care Specialist position at UPMC?
UPMC is hiring a Specialized Foster Care Specialist to support Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yough.
The Specialized Foster Care Specialist is responsible for assisting the Program Supervisor and in managing the Family Living through the Specialized Foster Care Program of MYCS and Children, Youth and Families (CYF). This position, at the direction of the Program Supervisor, ensures that MYCS overall philosophy is carried out and that the child and foster family are receiving the supports necessary to live the life in the best interest on the child. The Specialized Foster Care Specialist must be comfortable working with a variety of individuals of all ages and socio-economic levels and an array of agencies within the social service system. This support should include consideration of the well-being of the entire family. The Specialized Foster Care Specialist is responsible for maintaining HIPAA and Code of Federal Regulations Chapter 42 Public Health confidentiality standards.
Shifts for this position can vary to include days and evenings as well as weekends as needed. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and multi-task. This position is located mostly out of Westmoreland County, PA.
Responsibilities:
- Represent the agency at state and county initiative meetings as needed.
- Build and maintain relationships with individuals seeking housing support.
- Provide 24-hour phone support and conduct home visits to support family relationships.
- Coordinate services for individuals and families (e.g., medical, therapy, respite).
- Assist with appointments, consultant visits, and transportation.
- Help families meet state, county, and agency requirements (including Chapter 3680 and 3700).
- Complete and maintain documentation in the KIDS system.
- Ensure implementation and updates of Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
- Conduct education evaluations and monthly ISP updates.
- Maintain regular contact with all support network members (e.g., family, medical staff, employers).
- Attend court hearings and testify when needed.
- Monitor foster children in the home (biweekly; weekly for infants).
- Attend school, CYF, and therapy meetings.
- Ensure children receive EPSDT screenings, dental care, and annual physicals.
- Complete intake packets and update SWAN with foster home changes.
- Stay informed on CYF regulations (Chapters 3680 and 3700).
- Attend 26 hours of training and 20 hours of CYF-relevant supervision annually.
- Assist with and supervise family visit transportation.
- Recruit foster families using targeted strategies and demographic data.
- Represent the agency professionally in marketing and recruitment efforts
Salary : $1,000 - $1,000,000