Foster Care Specialist

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Good Shepherd Children & Family Services provides the highest quality foster care and treatment foster care, adoption, expectant parent counseling, maternity shelter, pregnancy services and advocacy. In response to the call of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, to help those in need, we connect children with families and keep families connected.

The Catholic Charities Good Shepherd Children and Family Services Foster Care Specialist provides case management services to children/families in the custody of/or under the supervision of the state agency with a primary focus on permanency, safety and well-being of the child. This position demonstrates a commitment to connecting children to families and keeping families connected and provides all services in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Conduct regular visits with children in foster care, foster parents, and biological families.
• Build relationships with parents and family members, including those who are incarcerated or living out of state.
• Facilitate parent-child and sibling visitation and maintain family connections.

• Lead Family Support Team (FST) and Permanency Planning Review Team (PPRT) meetings.
• Develop and monitor permanency plans, including reunification, guardianship, or adoption options.
• Coordinate services, complete required paperwork, attend court hearings, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Conduct family-finding efforts and involve relatives as potential placement resources.

• Assess children's and families' emotional, developmental, educational, and social needs.
• Develop and implement case plans based on identified needs.
• Monitor placements and advocate for services through schools, healthcare providers, courts, and community agencies.
• Support children and families during life transitions and placement changes.

• Assess risks and develop safety plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies.
• Help caregivers create safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
• Coach families to strengthen parenting skills and family functioning.

• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in required systems.
• Prepare court reports, case plans, referrals, and other required reports.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, HIPAA, agency policies, and state regulations.

• Work closely with courts, schools, mental health providers, medical professionals, and community agencies.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, peer reviews, and agency events.
• Assist with team coverage and recruitment efforts when needed.

• Significant community-based work requiring transportation of clients.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

The position serves as the primary coordinator and advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system, helping achieve safe, stable, and permanent family outcomes while ensuring all legal, documentation, and service requirements are met.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology with at least two years of related experience, or a Master's degree in one of these fields. Candidates should have knowledge of community resources, Missouri and federal child welfare laws, juvenile court processes, and child welfare practices. Understanding family dynamics, trauma, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, grief, and loss is essential.

Completion of Child Welfare Practice Training is required.

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with children, families, community stakeholders, and professional partners.
• Commitment to helping every child achieve a safe and permanent family connection.
• Strong assessment, case planning, and treatment planning abilities.
• Ability to advocate effectively for children and families.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and managing challenging family situations.
• Non-judgmental, culturally competent approach to working with diverse populations.
• Strong teamwork, leadership, organization, and planning skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and make sound independent…