Child and Family Services Specialist- (Foster Care Emphasis)

Child And Family Services Specialist- (Foster Care Emphasis)

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Kearney, NE, North Platte, NE

Hiring Rate: $21.836

Job Description: Comprehensive Foster Care (CFC) was created to increase the availability of quality placement options for youth in Nebraska's foster care system. It serves as a community-based stabilization service for youth in need of a highly structured environment with dedicated caregivers in a family setting. This service provides an increased level of intervention and support beyond what is available through traditional foster care. The CFC team recruits, trains, and supports caregivers who have professional skills and experience working with youth who have high-acuity needs. Participants in the CFC program are matched with highly skilled caregivers equipped to support their unique needs. The CFC Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting CFC foster homes and participants by providing support, training, guidance, and case management tailored to each participant's needs. This position is well-suited for a motivated, solutions-focused professional who demonstrates leadership, takes initiative, and seeks continued professional growth, including opportunities to help advance into supervisory and program leadership roles. The Specialist works collaboratively with leadership while contributing to recruitment efforts and ongoing program development. Starting Wage is $21.836 per hour and increases to $25.607 per hour.

Duties

• Advocate for CFC Providers.
• Respect the individuality, culture, and family connections of each child served.
• Essential in actively recruiting foster parents in the community.
• Providing education about the program to internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate support groups for CFC providers to strengthen caregiver engagement, promote retention, and provide ongoing education.
• Implement family-centered practice principles to ensure children and families are included in decision-making processes.
• Promote normalcy and stability in the lives of children in care.
• Utilize evidence-based practices focused on least-restrictive, family-centered approaches.
• Provide in-person support and guidance to a caseload of CFC Providers.
• Develop Positive Behavior Support plans focused on goal attainment, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.
• Work closely with case management teams, schools, therapists, and other professionals to support permanency and stability.
• Actively recruit and engage prospective CFC caregivers through outreach and relationship-building.
• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to promote the CFC program and expand placement capacity.
• Support training initiatives and onboarding of new CFC Providers.
• Contribute to program development efforts by identifying service gaps, recommending improvements, and supporting implementation of best practices.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a strong work ethic in supporting families and program goals.
• Build collaborative relationships with leadership and actively participate in team planning and program advancement.
• Seek opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other related fields. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their Bachelor's degree. Promotion to a Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on successfully completing degree requirements and required training.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice and/or case management experience and experience in supporting foster parents and youth with complex needs in foster care.

Other: Valid Driver's license is required.