About the position
Youth Villages is seeking a PRN Foster Care Specialist to join our team in Knoxville, TN. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. As a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in children's mental and behavioral health, Youth Villages has over 35 years of experience in providing comprehensive programs and services. The Foster Care Specialist will work closely with foster care children to address their referral issues and advocate for their best interests in court and other settings. The Foster Care program emphasizes intensive in-home treatment, focusing on family dynamics to facilitate change. Specialists will provide hands-on services to the entire family, building trust and aligning them with treatment goals. Each Specialist will manage a caseload of 8-10 families, delivering services flexibly in the family's home, school, or court, and will be required to participate in an on-call rotation. Regular documentation will be conducted online, allowing for flexibility in managing paperwork from home. Specialists will meet with supervisors at least three times a week to discuss progress and personal development, ensuring ongoing support and training. This role also involves assisting with transportation for visitations, and the schedule is designed to be flexible and non-traditional, accommodating the needs of the youth and families served. Youth Villages is committed to providing a supportive environment where leadership is readily available for backup in challenging situations, and all specialists undergo thorough training to enhance their clinical skills.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a liaison between foster care children and the court, advocating for the child's best interests.
- Provide services to the entire family, focusing on building trust and aligning them with treatment.
- Manage a caseload of 8-10 families, delivering services in various settings such as home, school, or court.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to provide flexible support to families as needed.
- Document progress and services online, accessible from home.
- Meet with supervisors at least three times per week to discuss case progress and personal development.
- Assist with transportation for visitations as required.
Requirements
- Master's degree in a social services discipline is required.
- Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline may be considered if the candidate is one year from completing their Master's degree.
- One year of experience counseling adolescents in a clinical setting is required.
- Experience with the Foster Care System is preferred.
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills are necessary.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously is essential.
- Basic computer knowledge is required.
- Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle for work purposes, along with liability insurance.
- Acceptable driving record with three or fewer moving violations within the past 36 months.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with the Foster Care System is preferred.
Benefits
- Flexible and non-traditional schedule based on the availability of youth and families served.
- Mileage reimbursement for community-based staff.
