Foster Care Specialist

About the role

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children's mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters- helping children and families live successfully.

Program Overview

Youth Villages' Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for the best interests of each youth. The program serves children and adolescents (ages 0 to18) who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and may have behavioral and mental health needs.

Our parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments - all while working diligently to achieve family reunification whenever possible or finding permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from highly trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Foster Care Specialist

• Carries a caseload of 8 to 10 families
• Provides services to the entire family-not just the identified youth-to build trust and support treatment alignment
• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster training sessions to enhance clinical skills
• Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver's license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Salary

$52,000 - $60,000 per year based on education and clinical license.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a social services discipline (required)
• Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
• Experience with the Foster Care System (preferred)
• Experience with counseling adolescents in a clinical setting (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
• 401(k)
• Time off:
• 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
• Growth & development through continuous training
• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

• *Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
• Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults.

We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity.

We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.