Home Study Specialist

Organization Name

Location

Alpharetta, GA

Opening Date

April 5, 2022

Closing Date

April 15, 2022

 

JOB TITLE: Home Study Specialist DIVISION: Georgia

REPORTS TO: Home Study Manager DEPARTMENT: Home Study

SUPERVISION TO: None CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Do you have experience in writing assessments and working with children and families? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of foster children? If so, then come join us at FaithBridge Foster Care (FaithBridge). We are the largest and fastest growing Georgia-based and Christ-centered child placing agency in the state. FaithBridge recruits, trains, licenses, and supports Christian foster care families. Our vision – that ALL foster children experience the hope, healing, and unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

JOB FUNCTION:

The home study specialist is responsible for completing foster and/or adoptive home studies for the purpose of recommending approval or re-approval for prospective or current foster, respite or adoptive families. The home study specialist assesses, evaluates, and helps to train potential and current foster and/or adoptive families. The person in this position may recommend additional counseling or training for the family as part of the home development process.

Core Responsibilities and Expectations
  • Determines suitability of prospective and current foster care / adoptive home families. This includes preparation of comprehensive psycho-social home study, interviewing of foster / adoptive parent applicants to evaluate the family’s motivation, functioning and dynamics, and collecting and interpreting collateral information. Assessment is completed according to agency standards for foster or adoptive parent competencies.
  • Assures compliance of foster / adoptive home providers with program policies and state licensing or certification requirements. Seeks clarification from their manager in areas of uncertainty.
  • Provides an awareness of potentially serious problems which may arise in the foster / adoptive care homes and alerts management of such concerns, especially those which may have legal risk or safety ramifications.
  • Consultation with agency staff regarding the selecting of a foster or adoptive home for a child a child and the transition of that child to the home.
  • May also be responsible for recruiting and training or assisting in the training of foster and/or adoptive parents.
  • This position is expected to use computers in the performance of writing and producing foster and adoptive home studies. Additionally, all home study paperwork is uploaded and managed in the agency case management online system. Ensures accuracy of all records, reports and documentation and maintains organized files. Completes documentation accurately, thoroughly, and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations.
  • Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values, and cultural covenant. Contributes toward a team-oriented culture and works well with others.
  • Maintains confidentiality of client’s and agency information.
  • Understands and supports family systems.
  • Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity and other issues of diversity.
  • Maintains timely communication with others and is able to effectively meets deadlines.
  • Treats clients, staff, foster parents and external contacts with respect and dignity.
  • Displays a strong discernment and decision-making skills.
  • Displays effective, clear, concise writing skills.
  • Maintains a spiritual growth and a relationship with Christ through devotions.
  • Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings.
  • Participates in the onboarding of new staff as needed.
  • Completes other duties as assigned.
  • This position may require work on nights and weekends.


EQUIPMENT USED: Personal vehicle, cell phone, copy machine, fax, computer

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree an accredited college or university in the area of behavioral or social sciences, social work, guidance counseling, psychology childhood education, special education or related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in child welfare, preferably in licensing foster or adoptive families.
  • Experience with GA+SCORE and IMPACT curriculum preferred, but not required.
  • Must successfully complete IMPACT FCP Leader training upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information.
  • Ability to physically transport self and clients to various locations.
  • Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients, staff, foster parents, and families served.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to a fast-moving, dynamic organization.
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines and timely turnaround while still having vibrant creativity.
  • Excellent written and verbal skills.
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in caring for foster families and vulnerable children.
  • Ability to work within a team.
  • Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic and confidential manner.
  • Knowledge of community resources and services.
  • Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner.
  • Ability to use passive vocabulary of 5,000-6,000 words and to read at an above-average rate.
  • Ability to write complex sentences, using proper punctuation, and using adjectives and adverbs.
  • Knowledge of normal business computer skills. Competent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Other preferred skills or experience: non-profit work, marketing/communications, and social media.
  • Ability to work effectively with multiple individuals and manage several projects at once.
  • Salary commensurate with experience.
  • Ability to work within a team.
  • Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic and confidential manner.
  • Knowledge of community resources and services.
  • Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner.


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