Foster Care Specialist

Youth Villages is a nationally recognized non-profit organization helping youth, young adults, and families live successfully. With a high-performing and dedicated staff of over 5,000, services in 29 states and D.C., and an annual operating budget of over $400 million, the organization serves more than 47,000 individuals annually.  Our commitment to helping youth, young adults, and families find success spans 40 years and includes a comprehensive array of evidence-based programs and services implemented by Youth Villages and our partner organizations and complementary systems change efforts, including state and federal policy, national advocacy, and research. We seek individuals with a strong sense of purpose who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth and families.

For more information, please visit

www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview

Our Foster Care program works with the foster care children to talk about their referral issues and to discuss why they are in foster care. This Foster Care Specialist also serves as a liaison between the child and the court and is always an advocate for the best needs of the child. The Youth Villages Foster Care Program uses intensive in-home based treatment where interventions are parent focused bringing change through the family, school, community, and peer groups.

Position Overview

Specialists provide services to the entire family, rather than just the identified youth. Specialists work with the family hands-on to build trust and align them with treatment

Specialists are responsible for a caseload of 9-12 families

Intensive but flexible schedule. Specialists deliver services in the family's home or wherever they need us (school, court, etc.) and flexibly schedule sessions to meet the family's needs; on-call rotation required.

Documentation that is on-line / web-based and available to you from home

Specialists meet with supervisors at least three times per week to discuss progress and personal development.

Additional Information

Our leadership is always available for backup in difficult situations.

All specialists complete a thorough training schedule designed to maximize clinical skill.

Schedule is flexible and non-traditional; based around the availability of youth and families served.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a personal vehicle to use for work purposes and auto insurance.

Community Based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage

Salary

$52000 - $60000 / year based on education and clinical license

Qualifications

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline is required, Master's preferred.

One year experience counseling adolescents in a clinical setting

Degrees that can be considered include : social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualifications.

Experience with the Foster Care System is preferred

Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Basic computer knowledge

Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

You must have your own vehicle to use for work purposes as well as have liability insurance

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

401(k)

2 weeks paid vacation

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

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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.