PRN Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialist

Company Overview

Youth Villages is a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

*This is a PRN position*

Position Summary

The Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialist  role is designed to increase the number of certified foster homes in accordance with the Tennessee state growth plan. The Foster Parent Training and Engagement Specialist will conduct pre-service and in-service training for treatment parents to develop the skills and confidence of those potential foster parents and ensure the safety and well-being of foster youth placed within those homes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts home studies on prospective parent applicants and presents home studies to the certification committee for approval.
• Completes or assists pre-training interviews and screening of prospective treatment.
• Assists with special projects as needed.
• Attends weekly, monthly, and annual training and placement meetings.
• Coordinate and present regional pre-service training for prospective treatment parent applicants and instruct on the in-service training curriculum for certified treatment foster parents.
• Set and achieve goals as it relates to program growth and development.
• Maintains records on all prospective treatment parents, including all application materials and verifications.
• Demonstrates leadership and strong communication skills.
• Provide support and accompany new trainers to outside activities.
• Travel across designated area if needed for coverage, trainings and assist in other offices if needed.
• Work collaboratively and assist other Foster Parent Training & Certification Specialists, as needed, to reach regional and statewide certification goals.
• Will be trained and remain compliant with FA/CPR and conduct FA/CPR trainings to prospective foster parents.
• Available to train TN-KEY classes at various times, including weeknights and weekends.
• Maintain data on foster parent class participation, trends, demographics, and other data points as needed to improve certification strategies.
• Occasional recruitment and engagement tasks may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social services field is required. Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualifications.

Experience with training is preferred. 

Experience with direct casework is preferred.
Experience in foster care training is a plus.
Must have excellent customer service, communication, and written skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to maintain non-traditional hours involving some weeknights and weekends.
Must have your own vehicle to use for work purposes as well as have liability insurance.

Acceptable driving record - Three or fewer moving violations within the past 36 months

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.