We are seeking a Home Developer to join our Foster Care and Adoption Program. As a Home Developer, you will Shine Hope as you are responsible for the coordination and implementation of recruiting families to become Buckner foster parents and promoting Buckner Foster Care services to the community. You will also provide an ongoing assessment of the prospective families. The role will also provide monitoring and development of the licensed foster parents. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Coordinate and implement the recruitment of foster parents for the Foster Care program. Recruit foster homes by writing letters, placing ads and giving presentations; take inquiries from potential foster families.
• Recruit and develop foster homes; participate in public relations assignments directed for purposes of educating the community about resource need within the region of service.
• Timely and accurately complete the required licensing, assessment, and support processes to ensure that families meet Licensing Standards and are appropriately prepared to care for children; make recommendations for utilization; introduce new families to field/adoptive staff for future utilization; amend individual licenses relative to caps, city, age ranges, etc. and renew licenses at required intervals.
• Maintain a supportive relationship with foster care resources, which includes identifying on-going training and support needs; assisting in obtaining such services along with other team members; coordinating, with assistance from other team members; providing support and strengthening Department relationships with foster parents; monitoring licensed foster or adoptive homes as required to ensure the home is in compliance with Licensing Standards and assisting families in resolving compliance issues.
• Work with foster parent in coordinating visits with placing agency and/or family for family visits and contact. Assist foster parents with transportation for family visits and other necessary appointments.
• Assist foster parents with age-appropriate therapeutic and leisure activities.
• Consult with TDFPS staff with recommendations about the selection of foster family resources that best meet the needs of the children, which includes recommendations for support services to maintain the resource.
• Conduct investigations relative to complaints about licensed foster /adoptive homes in accordance with the TDFPS; identify issues and assist families in developing corrective action plans; and make recommendations for licensing enforcement when appropriate.
• Participate in regional needs assessment process by identifying and prioritizing foster / adoptive care needs at the local level.
• Provide / maintain reports, statistics, records and documentation of activities on a monthly basis or as required.

 What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Requires extensive knowledge of modern methods and techniques required for specialized training programs.
• Requires working knowledge of the administration of training programs and knowledge of available literature in the social work field.
• Requires working knowledge of current social and economic problems of community and individual health, educational and recreational needs and community and State resources.
• Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
• Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
• Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job. 

The PAL Facilitator/FYI Case Manager serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services to provide case management services to foster care youth preparing for adulthood and to alumni who have previously been in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) conservatorship desiring to improve their self-sufficiency.  Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Assist eligible program participants with creating self-sufficiency plan that includes education, vocational training, employment, and living skills.
• Provide case management services, including, but not limited to, reviewing, evaluating, and updating individualized service plans, case notes, financial distributions, and referrals.
• Assist program participants with accessing community resources, including, but not limited to, assisting with program enrollments, assisting with obtaining housing, and other services.
• Develop professional relationships with institutions and agencies that provide education, job training, living skills training, employment services, housing, and child care services in order to coordinate services for program participants.
• Assist with development and implementation of program materials, including the development and delivery of independent living skills curriculum.
• Travel as needed throughout a multi-county region to provide services to eligible clients and help develop programs to enhance the delivery of services to clients.
• Timely and accurately complete documentation required by the TWC grant in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Remain up to date with TWC services and procedures, ensuring that TDFPS foster youth have access to those services and other employment opportunities. This will include helping foster youth with job searches, applications, and developing online profiles.
• Liaison to community and speak on behalf of Buckner to promote the FYI program. Represent Buckner to outside agencies and their representatives, including TDFPS, TWC and Casey Family Programs. Help arrange and host quarterly meetings with local county TWC representatives.
• Work with FYI Program Supervisor and other FYI personnel to engage alumni in the activities of the program/center; participate in an alumni advisory group.
• Cultivate and monitor relationships with outside service providers, agencies and organizations to develop relationships to enhance the delivery of services to clients. Other Responsibilities
• Maintain compliance with all Buckner policies, procedures, and requireme

 What you’ll bring:

• Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required. Minimum 1-year prior related casework experience required.
• Requires proficient knowledge of and/or work experience using community resources. 
• Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English. Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish preferred.
• Requires prior related experience in delivering services to youth and/or young adults. Experience in the delivery of vocational or other self-sufficiency services preferred.Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
• Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
• Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.