SUMMARY

The Foster Care Coordinator is responsible for managing a specialized caseload in the area of Foster Care services and the placement of children in risk under the direction of the Supervisor Foster Care. The Foster Care Coordinator conducts foster family assessments and provides support services to children in care and foster families.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field from an accredited College or University AND hold a license in social work from the State of West Virginia.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must maintain license requirements according to the State of West Virginia.
• Ability to provide staff clinical supervision as needed.
• Must be qualified to provide individual and group therapy for residents and their families.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills necessary, networking skills for interagency planning is essential.
• Must possess managerial, supervisory and leadership skills.
• A team builder who inspires staff to work together in pursuit of a common mission, with the ability to hold them accountable for the accomplishments of the objectives.
• Ability to respond to and manage crisis situations.
• Should have exceptional organizational skills; proficient computer skills; and interpersonal relationship skills, and the ability to communicate orally and in writing with the ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment, manage several projects simultaneously, and adjust to frequently changing demands.
• Have the ability to make decisions consistent with agency policies and general philosophies of child care.
• An individual who exhibits a strong commitment to the mission of Burlington United Methodist Family Services.
• Have the ability to meet the spiritual needs of the resident in accordance with agency policy.

• Be in good health, have physical and emotional stamina.
• Must have a valid state issued driver’s license and submit to an intensive background investigation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Foster Care Coordinator of Burlington United Methodist Family Services shall encompass at least the following:

• 
  Can support the mission and vision of Burlington United Methodist Family Services as evidenced by compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Supports and facilitates positive interaction with others as evidenced by: professional maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.
• Exhibits effective communication skills including proper use of agency communication systems.
• Supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation with regulatory agencies.
• Participates in appropriate professional development programs and in services to attain and maintain competency.
• Establish and maintain an ongoing guidance/support system for foster families and children placed in their care with regular contact; with at minimum of two face to face visits a month, one of which occurs in the child’s home.
• Coordinating services for foster families and foster children.

• 
  Develop a written treatment plan for each child with foster parents, placing personnel, birth family, child, and other interested parties. Treatment plans are completed every 90-days or as needed when a child is in crisis.
• Provide written records of supportive contacts to foster family and children, by the end of each month to be placed in child or family’s record.
• Review and staff foster care placement as required by state regulations. Participate in MDT meetings.
• Complete family visitation as recommended by the multi-disciplinary team.
• Interview and assist in pre-placement of referrals.
• Direct an ongoing educational training program for foster families that meets the needs of children in current placement, as recommend by therapists, home finder and licensing.
• Re-evaluate foster homes annually and complete annual evaluation form.
• Be available as an emergency resource person for all foster families and be available for on-call duties. On call is for two week periods.
• Assist in establishing outcome measures for the strategic plan and CQI process.
• Participate in CQI activities as designated by immediate supervisor.
• Provide written progress reports to West Virginia DHHR by the 9th of each month.
• Provide court testimony when required.
• Complete medically and socially necessary referrals in APS as needed and in a timely manner.
• Required driving position.
  • • This position is defined as one that will require you to drive a motor vehicle as part of your daily work. This position does allow the employee to drive motor vehicles owned or leased by Burlington United Methodist Services, Inc., and to transport employees and residents when and if necessary.
• Performs other duties that fall within the parameters of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel is required both day and night. The employee will be required to lift, stand, sit, and/or walk for extended periods of time. Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and elbows will be required. The employee will be required to possess the strength and ability to demonstrate techniques taught in various required training.

This position will work in an office environment, although sometimes this position must work in extreme weather conditions and potentially hazardous situations due to working in a residential environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as inclusive of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The job description does not constitute a contract nor does it alter the at-will status of the employee/employer relationship.