Foster Care Family Specialist

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The Family Specialist is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to ensure the safety, permanency and well‑being of youth in foster care.

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, some evenings required. Flexible schedule dependent on case needs.

• Conduct assessments of families’ strengths and needs; assess problem areas and utilize various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.
• Participate in development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plans. Develop alternative placement or permanency resources for youth who may not return to family. Complete a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.
• Deliver effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations. Track and monitor services provided, complete all documentation timely and comprehensively. Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent and necessary release of information.
• Conduct casework contacts with families at least twice a month in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals. Engage youth and family by developing an effective and caring relationship. Ensure children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
• Act as a bridge between youth and family and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face‑to‑face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc. Attend treatment review meetings.
• Assist with reunification of youth with family, community and school by implementing permanent supports and resources, including, but not limited to, identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after‑school recreational and job opportunities and developing a relapse prevention program.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• At least 1 year of direct experience working with at‑risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma‑informed care preferably in a home‑based or community setting.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on‑call responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
• Access to a reliable vehicle; frequent travel necessary.
• Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court‑related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of equity, and inclusive practices in service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and web‑based documentation systems.

Together for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

As a federal contractor, Together for Youth will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

41 CFR 60‑1.35(c)

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