Study Contractor

Position: Home Study Contractor
Description

The home study contractor is responsible for completing foster and/or adoptive home studies for the purpose of recommending approval or re-approval for prospective or current foster, respite or adoptive families. The home study contractor assesses, evaluates and helps to train potential and current foster and/or adoptive families. The person in this position may recommend additional counseling or training for the family as part of the home development process.

Core Responsibilities and Expectations

• Determines suitability of prospective and current foster care / adoptive home families. This includes preparation of comprehensive psycho-social home study, interviewing of foster / adoptive parent applicants to evaluate the family's motivation, functioning and dynamics, and collecting and interpreting collateral information. Assessment is completed according to agency standards for foster or adoptive parent competencies.
• Assures compliance of foster / adoptive home providers with program policies and state licensing or certification requirements. Seeks clarification from their manager in areas of uncertainty.
• Provides an awareness of potentially serious problems which may arise in the foster / adoptive care homes and alerts management of such concerns, especially those which may have legal risk or safety ramifications.
• Consultation with agency staff regarding the selecting of a foster or adoptive home for a child a child and the transition of that child to the home.
• May also be responsible for recruiting and training or assisting in the training of foster and/or adoptive parents.
• This position is expected to use computers in the performance of writing and producing foster and adoptive home studies. Additionally, all home study paperwork is uploaded and managed in the agency case management online system. Ensures accuracy of all records, reports and documentation and maintains organized files. Completes documentation accurately, thoroughly and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations.
• Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values, and cultural covenant. Contributes toward a team oriented culture and works well with others.
• Maintains confidentiality of client's and agency information.
• Supports a goal that has children and families best interest at all times and is an active advocate for children and families. Understands and supports family systems.
• Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity and other issues of diversity.
• Maintains timely communication with others and is able to effectively meets deadlines.
• Treats clients, staff, foster parents and external contacts with respect and dignity.
• Displays a strong discernment and decision making skills.
• Displays effective, clear, concise writing skills.
• Maintains a spiritual growth and a relationship with Christ through devotions.
• Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• This position may require work on nights and weekends.

EQUIPMENT USED:
Personal vehicle, personal phone, personal scanner, personal computer

COMPETENCIES:

Foster Care Job Knowledge

o Seen as an expert in their field and has a thorough grasp of all phases of the foster care system; always able to complete both normal and difficult tasks independently and regularly assist clients in understanding and completing any tasks they may find too difficult; generally thought of as exemplary and the person others go to for foster care advice;

stays up to date on foster care data, research, services, and resources to meet the needs of clients as they emerge.

Motivates Others/Performance Coaching

o Able to gain support from both individuals and groups around change; able to craft solutions/ideas that are a win-win; uses data to address concerns raised, does not upset others when promoting ideas and assists others at improving their influencing skills appropriately; able to improve and develop the performance of others; provides clear suggestions and specific feedback in a positive manner.

Builds Relationships

o Easily builds relationships with individuals and groups; makes a consistent…