Fostering Prevention Specialist- Chillicothe

FOSTERING PREVENTION SPECIALIST  

Job Category: Family Programs 

Job Status: Full-time 

Reports to:  Fostering Prevention Program Manager 

Job Summary: The overall goal of Fostering Prevention is to build and/or enhance protective factors for biological families that are not actively involved in the child welfare system but could be at-risk of having their child(ren) enter or re-enter foster care. The Fostering Prevention Specialist provides evidence-supported parenting curriculum, resource identification and connections, support, and advocacy to families who are experiencing stressors, which puts them at risk for child abuse/neglect.  Fostering Prevention Specialists provide flexible and responsive services to families based on individual needs, including but not limited to in-home parenting curriculum education, support groups for parents, advocacy, community resource referrals, academic/education, employment, housing, legal, mental health, and physical health.  

Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Accept referrals from the community via phone, email communication, and walk-ins of families who can benefit from Fostering Prevention services.  Respond to referrals within one (1) business day. Prioritize and support multiple families simultaneously. 
• Maintain frequent, open communication with direct supervisor regarding services delivered, concerns or questions. 

• Obtain necessary releases and consents, as needed. 
• Assist caregivers in identifying and removing barriers to stressors related to parenting.  
• Assess parent’s worries, strengths and child abuse/neglect risk factors to mutually develop goals alongside parents to meet needs. 
• Strive to preserve placement stability and avoid out of home removal. 
• Ensure families have access to benefits for which they are eligible, including the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.  
• Assist parents in utilizing existing community resources and support systems, including educational, health, and mental health systems and make referrals as appropriate.  
• 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.).  
• Deliver in-home parenting curriculum education, preparing lesson delivery prior to scheduled visits.  
• Promote, contribute to the development of, and actively participate in parent support group sessions.  
• Collect and record all data on communication with families, resources/supports given, goals set, and accomplishments achieved 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 FosterAdopt Connect’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 Manager/COO. 
• Participate as an active team member with all agency departments so the agency’s efforts to assist clients and maintain contract/COA standards are coordinated for maximum effectiveness. 
• Travel required to conduct home visits and attend meetings within surrounding counties, with or without accommodation. 

Qualifications & Preferred Skills 

• Bachelor's degree 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 biological families, and personal experience or connection as a parent 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.  
• Ability to be flexible in work hours including some evening and weekend appointments.  

Compensation & Benefits  

• Compensation commensurate with experience. 
• Comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Medical and dental insurance with 80% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 
• Vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums covered for employee and dependents. 

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer contribution. 
• Life insurance and long-term disability provided at no cost to employee.  
• Voluntary life and short-term disability options available. 
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match. 
• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care options. 
• Employee Assistance Program, with 8 annual visits 100% covered. 
• 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.