Position Summary: The primary focus of the staff person holding this position is on the recruitment, training, certification & retention of kinship resources and families for children in care, though not limited to. It is expected that this position will be The Support and monitor the certification process from initial inquiry through placement of children. 

 Responsibilities:

• Make outreach within the community
• Facilitate Orientations to inform on fostering, including within the community
• Engage in collaborative efforts with case planning teams, program team members and other units to improve the chances to secure kinship placements for children in non-kinship placements (Participation in Bed Development, Transitional Meetings and Family Team Conferences, etc.)
• Assess viability of potential foster parent applicants to all programs
• Conduct home visits to assess viability & safety of foster homes
• Maintain weekly contact with all foster parent applicants
• Facilitate pre-certification training for foster parent applicants
• Facilitate ongoing in-service training and support groups for all foster parents
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive pre-certification foster parent records, including, but not limited to, data input into Connections and Evolv, and ongoing
• Screen, prepare & guide foster parent applicants for certification within the Program’s designated timeframe (Regular FBH, TFFC FBH, MedF and kinship) and maintain updated spreadsheet on the applicants
• Processing of applicant & foster parent various clearances, and ongoing  
• Conduct Foster Parent Homestudy interviews and prepare comprehensive reports
• Conduct and complete foster home re-certifications/re-authorizations
• Planning and implementing events in the community designed to attract foster parent applicants & foster parent certifications
• Develop and implement creative approaches toward the recruitment and retention of Foster Parents, especially kinship resources
• Generate enthusiasm within the agency and community around foster parent recruitment.
• Collaborate with staff members of case planning teams to support and maintain foster parent retention
• Represent the agency at city, state, and other meetings and events

Qualifications:

• BSW or related degree
• 2 Years Human Services, marketing or business experience a plus.
• High energy and enthusiasm
• Bi-lingual Spanish, preferred, but not required
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Public speaking ability
• Solid organizational skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekend
• Comfortable in Brooklyn and Bronx communities.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends.

Bilingual candidates (Spanish speaking) are eligible for language differential.  

 Salary: $45,000 - $47,000 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.