JOB SUMMARY

The Foster Care Specialist serves as a key member of the program leadership team. This position is responsible for supporting the program leadership team in the design and delivery of foster care programs consistent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. The Foster Care Specialist is supervised by and works directly with the Assistant Vice President for Programs to ensure that all foster care programming is operated in compliance with agency policy, regulatory standards and contractual obligations. The Foster Care Specialist works closely with other agency staff to identify and reduce risks associated with the provision of services to children, youth and families. The Foster Care Specialist must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work in a ministry dedicated to helping children and families facing challenging life circumstances. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the children and families served and extensive knowledge of Minimum Standards, contractual obligations, community relations and foster care services. The Foster Care Specialist must possess effective verbal and written communication skills. The Foster Care Specialist must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values. This position works collaboratively with others and involves frequent contact with consumers, other agency staff, licensing authorities, contractual funding sources, accrediting bodies, community leaders and vendors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Participate in the development and implementation of foster care programmatic initiatives;

· Research and identify relevant evidence-based programs and promising practices that promote program fidelity and expansion;

· Complete special projects as assigned including but not limited to foster care program reviews, organizational strategic      planning, develop and implement foster care program specific trainings;

· Research and develop community partnership opportunities as related to foster care programming;

· Prepare and present Foster Care Foundation Training as needed, but at minimum annually;

· Maintain compliance with applicable professional licensing, state licensing and accreditation standards;

· Work collaboratively with program leadership to develop, maintain and evaluate progress of action plans for underperforming    foster care programs;

· Work collaboratively with program leadership to ensure Foster Care Program Manuals and Policy and Procedures are updated       and relevant;

· Lead monthly Foster Care Quality Assurance Meeting;

· Participate in Apricot Workgroup to ensure Foster Care CMS is appropriate and efficient for agency needs;

· Maintain direct knowledge of licensure process;

· Work collaboratively with Programs Leadership Team and Foster Care Directors and Senior Directors to enhance service        delivery in assigned areas;

· Support Foster Care Directors with home verifications, licensing visits, deficiencies, and incidents;

· Maintain pre-service training material, ensuring it remains relevant and applicable;

· Equip foster care staff to teach pre-service and in-service training material;

· Work collaboratively with Senior Director for Clinical and Compliance to ensure fidelity and compliance of foster care      programming;

· Participate in foster care related on-call;

· Provide internal and external training roles to support the agency and program training plan;

· Participate in foster care program specific, agency or external committees and work groups;

· Manage agency funds, resources and equipment according to agency policy and procedures;

· Work collaboratively in a proactive and positive manner with other departments, stakeholders, community partners, and    regulatory and licensing entities;

· Follow agency policies regarding the solicitation and receipt of donations;

· Represent the agency at community functions, activities and events;

· Complete required documentation accurately and timely.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a professional position that may require more hours than the normal 40-hour workweek. Responsibilities include work in the evenings and on weekends. This position requires the ability to serve in an on-call capacity and respond to emergencies after office hours. Out of town and overnight travel are also required. An automobile for in town and out of town travel is required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal automobile for approved business purposes. A technology stipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position.

EDUCATION/ LICENSURE

A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field is required with a Master's Degree preferred. Relevant experience in the out of home care of children is preferred. 

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy. The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth. Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment. 

OTHER

The Foster Home Specialist must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references.