Foster Parent

Job Category : Operations-Adolescent & Family Services Requisition Number : FOSTE003307 Posted : May 29, 2026 Full-Time On-site Locations Showing 1 location Springfield, MA 01103, USA Description Position Purpose and Objective: The purpose and objective of a foster parent is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives. Duties and Responsibilities Develop, in conjunction with the Clinical CaseManager and the foster youth, short term goalsand contract in writing as to the responsibilities, obligations, procedures and rules of the Treatment Home, as wellasrelating to the child’s needs for personal growth and development. Provide a supportive and nurturing relationship within the home with adequate supervision of the youth’s activities as outlined in the youth’s treatment plan agreement. Attend and complete all mandatory in-service program training,Foster Parent meetings and program functions. Maintain regular communications with the foster youth’s Clinical Case Manager, biological or reunifying family, and probation officer, of applicable. Use the Emergency Procedures as outlined. Have a reliable motor vehicle and plan, arrange and handle all transportation needs of the youth, e.g., medical, dental and therapy appointments, emergency care, school meetings, familyvisitsand court appearances. Foster Parents are also expected to aid in the transition of a fosteryouthin the event thatthe placement isterminatedad/or another placement has been found. Attend all school meetings, foster care reviews, quarterly meetings, and court hearings of foster youth,ect. Notify the Clinical Case Manager with advanced notice ofany out-of-state visits, andprovide program approved back-up supervisionplanduring any extended absences from the home. Have a telephone availableinthe homeat all timesthat is accessible to the youth. Cover any unusual expenses incurred by the foster youth during placement process, e.g., property damage, phone bills. Gándarais not responsible for paymentin the event ofdamageto ofloss of the foster parents’ property caused by the foster child.Foster parents are advised toreviewtheir insurance policies toassureliability coverage. Gándara is not responsible forpayinganylong distancephone calls made from the Foster Parents’ home.YouClinical Case Manager will work with you inadvisingyou in ways of limiting telephone use. Uphold guidelines against the use of drugs and alcohol. The use of alcohol or illegal substancesby program clients is notpermittedby this agency under any circumstances! In the event this behavior should occur with the knowledge and approval of a Foster Parent, it will result in aprograminvestigation and notification of theappropriate authoritiesand agencies. Adhere to program guidelinesregardingfirearms. Foster parents are entitled to ownfirearms providing they have the required firearms permits, due to the emotional challenges of the population we serve, no firearms or ammunition, under any circumstances, are to be stored in any home or property where a fosteryouthresides. Foster children are prohibited from engaging in any activities involving weapons of any kind. Reportall illegal activitiesto the Clinical Case Manager. Arrange to undertake other actionswith regard toa foster child, such as authorization of school related activities, and arerequiredto follow the child’s special education plans under Chapter 766 of the Massachusetts Act of 1972. Not give up full-timecare takingresponsibilitiesof any fosteryouthto anyone other than the agency or persondesignatedby the agency, unless ordered to do so by the court. Be licensed and accept clients only from the Gándara Center and no other placement agency. Get approval from the Director of Foster Care through your Family Resource worker if you wish to do volunteer work or attend school. Uphold agency guidelinesregardingconfidentiality. All background material ona fosteryouth including historical,psychologicaland psychiatric data are extremely confidential sources of information and are not to be indiscriminately shared with anyone, including family members and friends. Plan for the care of your foster youth during an extended absence of the foster parent, including providing adequate notice of such absence so that the Clinical Case Manager and foster parent can assure the continuity of care. Meet weekly with Clinical Case Manager. Meet monthly with Family Resource worker. Additional Information: You have a right to complete accessofyour annual assessment and bi-annual license renewal. You have the right tomaintainthe child rearing practices of your homeas long asthey are consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Foster parents are expected to adhere to all state law and agency requirementsregardingdisciplinary practices. Physical discipline is never allowed under any circumstances. Foster Parent stipend checks will be available by direct deposit every other Friday afternoon or at the CFC 1095 Main St, Springfield office, checks may also be mailed upon request. Foster Parent Stipends are $73.35 per day. Minimum Qualifications: Be at least 21 years old. Be able to read, write, and manage day to day communication Be physically and emotionally able to provide safe, consistent care. Have stable income to meet your household needs. Provide personal and medical references Welcome a home visit and family assessment Have sufficient time, flexibility, and a reliable support system Have a valid ID and reliable transportation Complete required background checks including criminal history, sex offender registry, and child welfare checks with fingerprinting. Willing to not operate a daycare in your home. Have no more than three children under 18 living in your home. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gandara Mental Health Center, Inc.