Placement Specialist, Foster Care

Requisition #: req10174

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Placement Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for coordinating foster care placements, retention and advocacy, and becoming involved in community foster parent coalitions.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct post-placement follow-up on foster homes;
• Respond to emergency placement needs during the weekdays and some weekends;
• Be available for on-call needs, while participating in the on-call program as required;
• Work collaboratively with the assigned Case Manager and other child placement agencies for replacements;
• Maintain a list of current available homes and on-call information;
• Receive placement referrals from other agencies and coordinate placement plans with the foster care supervisor when Bethany has a potential resource;
• Serve as a consultant by communicating rule violations to the caseworker and foster parents in a timely manner, while also working with them to correct violations through special evaluations;
• Assist with recruiting and licensing homes for program use;
• Assist with re-licensing foster homes, completing annual evaluations, coordinate transfers, relocations, and closures of foster homes;
• Assist with investigating foster home complaints;
• Coordinate the respite program and facilitate substitute care, when needed;
• Participate in foster parent activities and meetings;
• Assist in coordinating specials events, such as the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner;
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as the handbook, and brochures;
• Attend area coalition meetings;
• Plan and participate in the annual Foster/Adopt conference;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review ongoing foster home issues to ensure families meet the statement of need;
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention and advocacy of foster families;
• Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and/or supervisors for activities with the foster homes and the community;
• Administer placements of children according to policies for families that have been studied and approved for foster care placement;
• Actively participate in the on-call system as scheduled by program needs;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
• At least one (1) year of experience in child welfare;
• Excellent interviewing, perceptual, diagnostic, and family assessment skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license and maintain a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment.