Job Specification Details

Professional level work recruiting, retaining and supporting foster/kin care resources for the Department for Children and Families (DCF) of the Agency of Human Services (AHS). Recruiting and then managing potential foster/kinship families from the point of inquiry, licensure and placement.  Identifying and assessing foster/kinship homes that can meet the intense needs of the children and youth that enter DCF custody. Resource Coordinators support the Family Services' vision, mission and core practice principles to promote partnerships with families and community to achieve safety, well-being, permanency and law abidance for children and families. Duties are performed under the supervision of a Family Services District Director. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Analyzing detailed information about the child/youth’s needs and identifying a match based on many complex factors that impact a child/youth’s overall wellbeing, safety, and connections.  Screens all foster care applicants and refers them to Residential Licensing and Special Investigation (RLSI) if appropriate.  Works with the Family Service Worker to ensure relatives and natural supports are identified, assessed and appropriately supported as placement resources for children and youth. Work within local office to create and implement a Diligent Recruitment plan that is data driven and aligned with the statewide plan.  Considering both the recruitment and retention of new and seasoned foster/kinship families in these plans.  Partner with UVM Child Welfare Training Partnership to ensure that all foster parents have completed the required foster parent trainings.  Ensure that permanency needs are considered at every stage of decision making throughout the life of a custody case, beginning with appropriate matching, and consider these needs throughout any placement changes. Serve as the hub of a complex web of roles working to support children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Maintains all foster/kinship records, reimbursement requests, and community resources.  Performs related duties as required. 

Duties performed in both field and office settings. Incumbents may encounter strong differences of opinion and emotional reactions which must be dealt with in a firm, objective and helpful manner and with tact and sensitivity. Private means of transportation must be available for needed travel. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Working knowledge of interviewing principles and techniques.

Working knowledge of the dynamics of family and group interaction.

Considerable Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work.

Knowledge of the values and guiding principles of the Family Services Practice model.

Knowledge of effective interventions with children youth and families.

Ability to engage, assess and plan in partnership with children, youth and families.

Awareness of child care concepts and programs.

Ability to develop and implement practical and effective resource systems, procedures, and training packages.

Ability to learn program rules and regulations and to explain them clearly.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and resolve conflict.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Working knowledge of child development theory and of the cultural, economic, social and psychological factors that influence behavior.

Bachelor's degree AND one (1) year of human services work or community resource development.

OR

One (1) year or more of graduate credits in a Master’s or Doctorate program related to social work, counseling, psychology, or public administration.

OR

Four (4) years of child welfare experience in the role of recruiting, training and retaining foster families.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.