Foster Care Recruiter

                                                                                                             THREE RIVERS YOUTH

                                                                                                         JOB DESCRIPTION

 Foster Care Recruiter

 Responsible To: Director of Foster Care

Job Summary: Responsible for recruiting foster families and assisting with the certification and licensing process for foster families. This is a non-exempt position. Works with youth, families, and adults for outreach, education, and training; Must be a self-starter capable of working independently; Must be dependable and work effectively with minimum supervision.

$20.20/Hour

 Duties:

• Recruit foster families who can be certified for foster parent licensure.
• Recruit foster families who have the ability and desire to provide foster care to the vulnerable youth who are referred by DHS.
• For the purpose of recruiting foster families, establish and maintain community contacts such as:
  • Schools
  • Community organizations
  • Faith Based organizations
  • Service groups
  • Other resources as deemed appropriate.
• Utilize a multi-systemic approach to recruit foster families including, but not limited to:
  • Advertisements (determine value and efficacy of such advertisements)
  • Presentations to the community
  • Utilizing current CYF foster families for recruiting
  • Assure articles and stories related to foster care placed in news media.
• Function as the point of contact for prospective foster families.
• Establish positive relationships with prospective families.
• Provide licensing requirements to prospective foster families.
• Follow up with prospective foster families through the initial certification process.
• Assist CYF Foster Care Licenser to assure certification is completed (assist with home studies, references, health, and safety reviews, etc.).
• Recruit prospective foster families who have the ability and desire to provide foster care and or adoption to targeted vulnerable children and youth who are referred to the agency’s foster care program.
• Develop recruitment and retention plans to recruit and retain potential foster parents.
• Assist with developing marketing materials that inform and educate prospective families about foster care and adoption resources we provide.
• Ensure the visibility of our foster care and adoption programs by identifying, developing, and retaining relationships with individuals, families, and community groups.
• Provide presentations to the community.
• Maintain data about the process so decisions can be made about improving recruitment strategies.
• Have working knowledge of the social services, child welfare, kinship, or foster care systems, 3680, 3700 regulations and foster care best practices guidelines.   
• Organizes and conducts social, cultural, and recreational activities to promote awareness about foster care.
• Implements recruitment strategies and outreach efforts to high-risk populations.
• Maintains confidentiality of all client-based information as required by law.
• Maintains records and/or data.  Completes monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on time.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      Maintains 25 training hours per year.

2.      Maintains open communication with supervisor and other staff as it relates to the program.

3.     License five foster families per month.

4.     Track all inquiries made to CYF by individuals and families interested in providing foster care through Three Rivers Youth.

5.    Track progress on all families who participate in the foster care certification and licensure process with CYF.

6.    Meet with supervisor every week to review performance and/or issues.

7.     To be a flexible member of the agency's team to accomplish the overall agency goals.

 8.   Maintains recruitment resources to make them available to prospective clients.

9.   Possesses and utilizes the ability to relate to problems and special needs of clients.

10. Must possess and utilize excellent verbal and written communication skills and general computer skills, including Windows, WORD, EXCEL, email, Internet, and other systems.

Competencies:

• Public Speaking
• High Energy
• Creative
• Excellent Customer Services Skills

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, and walk indoors and outdoors for long periods of time weather permitting; use hands; reach with hands and arms.  The employee must be capable of lifting or pulling 175 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust and focus. Proper diction and command of the English language required. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in social work, human services, advertising, public relations, or other related fields, and demonstrated public relation skills and one year’s work experience in social services with youth and families. Sensitive and responsive to the cultural differences in DHS’ service population. Have a strong knowledge base of the community, social services, child welfare system, adoption, kinship, or foster care experience, is essential.  Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus and flexible scheduling, including weekends, is required. Reliable transportation and a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and current PA auto insurance are required.

Act 33/34 Child Abuse Clearance and Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance, and FBI Clearances are required.

This job reflects the assignment of essential and other responsibilities of this position. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. You maybe asked to perform other related duties and other duties as requested and/or necessary.