Foster Parent Support Specialist

Smoky Mountain Children's Home, a faith-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Foster Parent Support Specialist. This position will be a hybrid role, requiring residency within East Tennessee. In this role, you will be in a position to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth. 

At Smoky Mountain Children's Home, our mission is critical, and our quality of care is only as good as our people. That is why we are committed to excellence in building a talented and diverse team of passionate people who will leave a legacy in the lives of youth for whom they are responsible. Read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity to join our team of child welfare advocates.

Job Summary

The Foster Parent Support Specialist will provide direct support, consultation, and coaching to Foster Parents to help them successfully meet the needs of the youth placed in their home. This position is full­time.  The work schedule is dictated by the needs of the clients and staff, although typical hours will be Monday through Friday.  Some weekend and evening hours will be required as needed.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Assessment and Intake
  • Complete all Initial Intake Paperwork for placements in Foster Homes.
  • Make initial face-to-face contact with new placements in Foster Homes within 72 hours.
  • Assist Case Managers and Foster Parents with new placement needs, such as scheduling EPSD&T or school enrollment.
  • Assist with Therapeutic visitation when available.
• Foster Home Compliance
  • Visit all Foster Homes without a permanent placement quarterly.
  • Complete monthly Foster Home Report.
  • Complete all Home Safety Checklists for Reassessments.
  • Has knowledge of Foster Home Compliance policies.
  • Will assist the Case Manager/Team Leader during times of crisis and/or disruption in a foster home. Provide individual/family skills training to families.
  • Will be placed on Foster Care On-Call rotation.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services (Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field).
• Must have 1 year of Case Management experience in child welfare.
• Must have 1 year of experience working directly with Foster Parents.
• Must demonstrate a high level of competence and leadership ability.
• Must possess organizational and communication skills.
• Must be able to work as a team member, collaborating with colleagues.
• Must be adaptable to change, teachable, and accepting of supervision.
• Must be a problem solver and good at conflict resolution. 
• Must be physically and emotionally capable of performing all job duties.

Reports to

The Foster Parent Support Specialist reports to the Placement Coordinator with oversight regarding documentation and policy compliance provided by the Foster Care Director.

What's in it for you?

• Paid training.
• $50/month stipend toward cell phone service or a provided work cell phone.
• 100% paid medical coverage option with a paid life insurance policy.
• Paid vacation (including major holidays), sick leave, bereavement leave, and personal days (after a prerequisite length of employment is met).
• Mileage Reimbursement.

Work Schedule

• Set your schedule, based on the needs of those you serve, except for required appointments that cannot be changed (i.e., court dates, etc.).

Salary Information

• Salary $31,700.00 - $37,200.00 per year based on level of education attained.

Why Smoky Mountain Children's Home?

For more than 100 years, Smoky Mountain Children's Home has been meeting the needs of at-risk youth. We provide exceptional care for at-risk children and teens through our Residential, Foster Care, and Adoption programs. Through family counseling, individual therapy, educational opportunities, and structured group living, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home provides a continuum of care tailored to each resident's needs. Creating a safe and supportive environment allows residents to discover their talents and build on their strengths. This is accomplished by the excellent care of a trained staff and provides each resident the opportunity to overcome the circumstances of their past while exploring a world of opportunity for their future.

*Degree must be from a school accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent program from an international university.

*Smoky Mountain Children's Home does not provide any form of sponsorship to applicants not authorized to work in the US.

Smoky Mountain Children's Home is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.