AGENCY OVERVIEW:
Westside Children’s Center (WCC) exists to give at-risk children and children living in poverty the foundation they need to increase their life choices and lead fulfilling lives. For over 25 years, WCC has been providing thousands of at-risk children and their families with critical, high-quality early education programs (including comprehensive Early Head Start services), family strengthening interventions, foster care and adoption services, mental health and a range of vital, integrated services, including educational assessments, disabilities screenings, nutrition, dental and vision screenings, and pediatric health consultations.
JOB SUMMARY
The Foster and Adoptive Family Engagement Coordinator performs a wide range of activities related to the recruitment, orientation, training and retention of foster parents. The job’s objective is to ensure that WCC has highly trained and supported foster and adoptive families to meet the needs of the children who are in the care of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. This position also coordinates the placement of children into WCC approved foster and adoptive families. This position will collaborate with two other agencies during the recruitment and training process therefore, working as a member of a team is imperative.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Identifies and recruits potential foster families through Raise A Child collaboration, speaking engagements in the community, phone recruitment, social media, mailings and other recruitment activities as assigned
- Plans, organizes, promotes and leads recruitment events on a routine basis to develop interest and awareness of need for more foster parents for waiting children in Los Angeles County
- Ensures all recruitment advertisements (brochures, social media, signage etc.) represents Westside’s Mission, Vision and Values and adheres to the external communication guidelines
- Supports each family through the application process, collects and files initial approval paperwork, which includes all WCC, contract and most updated ILS (Interim Licensing Standards) required documentation for approval
- Plans, coordinates and provides group orientations to prospective foster parents and ensures all required elements of the ILS are covered
- Plans, coordinates and provides 30 hours of pre-approval training to prospective foster parents and ensures the curriculum covers all required elements of the ILS
- Maintains, records and prepares monthly reports on program referrals, recruitment and approval efforts
- Assesses readiness for and provides Resource Family Approval Director with referral for applicant family’s home study
- Ensures all required elements of the approval process completed prior to referring to Director for final approval
- Maintains ongoing communication with the Raise A Child Parent Advocates to ensure seamless collaboration with prospective foster parents
- Partners with TIES for Families staff in the development and execution of the pre-approval training series
- Responds quickly to intake calls from Los Angeles County DCFS staff in order to match waiting infants, children, youth, teens and sibling sets with WCC foster families.
- Maintains confidentiality regarding children, families and operations of the agency
- Maintains knowledge of program standards and policies as developed by Westside Children’s Center, Statement of Work, Community Care Licensing and other governing bodies; develops personal and professional knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal network and benchmarking state of the art practices
- Maintain confidentiality of clients and obtain and maintain on file legal releases of information when needed
- Comply with all applicable federal, state and county regulations, policies and procedures
- Evening and weekend hours are required
- Staff must believe in and act in accordance with both the agency’s and the program’s mission statements
- In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
- Masters’ Degree in Social Work or a related field preferred
- 5 years working with children and families, or equivalent experience
- 3 or more years of foster care and adoption experience preferred
- Experience in the MAPP or PRIDE training models
- Passion and drive to recruit and train prospective foster parents for the underserved and over represented children, youth and teens within the foster care community
- Bilingual in English/Spanish - speaking and in writing preferred
- Experience conducting psychosocial assessments of children and families
- Inspiring, self-starter, with a commitment to teamwork
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Basic computer skills required – Word, Excel, and Software applications
- Experience working with diverse groups and populations
- Knowledge of community resources and experience with interagency collaboration preferred
- Ability to work independently, flexible, strong organizational skills, and commitment to teamwork
- Passionate about learning and possesses curiosity about issues affecting children and families
- All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and families who are served by our agency.
- Fingerprint background clearance (DOJ, FBI & Child Abuse Clearance Index), or approved exemption
- Successful completion of pre-employment physical, PPD risk assessment, proof of immunizations for pertussis, measles and influenza
- Class “C” driver’s license, proof of insurance, a safety record acceptable to CAA, and reliable transportation required
Westside Children’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all applicants and seeks to hire qualified staff who reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We define diversity in broad terms to include race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, geography, socio-economic status and other unique attributes that make us who we are.
Westside Children’s Center has achieved accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). This means our programs, services, administration, and management have been rigorously evaluated and meet best practice standards. Visit www.COAnet.org to learn more about COA Accreditation.
Salary is commensurate with education & experience.
Full benefits package offered including employer contribution to: Health, Dental, Vision; 401k with employer match; Employee Assistance Program, Professional Development, sick leave, vacation, personal days for anniversary of employment and birthday.
FOR CONSIDERATION: Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]