The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), a division of Elliot, is actively seeking an engaged Foster Care Specialist to work with foster parents. The Encompass program is a Department of Children and Families (DCF) referral-based service that leverages peer-to-peer mentoring to provide support, education, and stabilization for foster families. With our two-tiered model of support, we assist caregivers who are navigating a growing level of need or crisis in their homes, as well as those who may benefit from training, education, and support on foster parenting through a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma.

The ideal candidate will be able to leverage their own experience as a foster parent with helping new or existing foster parents with challenges and providing support they need.

Responsibilities:

• Engage the foster parent(s) in peer support services and activities according to the program model of in-person visits, collateral contacts, case conferences, and virtual group services.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when sharing personal experiences as a foster parent, including best practices, lessons learned, and effective interventions to establish relationships and deliver identified services.
• Conduct Protective Factors assessments and develop individualized treatment plans with foster parent(s) related to identified family needs, and DCF service request information.; reevaluate treatment plans a minimum of every three months.
• Assist the foster parent(s) in addressing barriers to accessing services for ongoing behavioral health needs and community resources for the child(ren) placed in their home.
• Assist the foster parent(s) with building skills to meet the behavioral health needs of children placed in their home, through education, support, coaching, modeling, and guidance.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Must have at least three years of experience as a foster, kinship or adoptive parent for the Department of Children and Families.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work and for providing community-based services.
• Bilingual candidates fluent in a needed language may be eligible for a 6% salary increase.

Schedules:

• Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (40 hours)
• Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (20 hours)