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 skill in the development of foster parents through the planning and conducting of training sessions; requires ability to maintain effective professional relationships with foster parents, staff, and 
  other disciplines.
• 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. 

• Summer 2026 Term: April 17, 2026
• Fall 2026 Term: June 26, 2026

• Support family strengthening and case management services
• Assist with community outreach and program delivery
• Engage in volunteer and group engagement initiatives
• Contribute to program administration, research, or special projects
• Observe trauma-informed and strengths-based practices in action

What you'll accomplish:

• Develop a working knowledge of non-profits and how to carry out successful ministry in an underserved community
• Grow in skills related to working with children and families living in vulnerable situations
• Learn how to work collaboratively with team members from various departments
• Be trained and developed in ways that will be applicable for future employment
• Connect with fellow interns and other professionals within the company to build your network

What you'll bring:

• Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree during the length of the program.
• Commit to working at least 16-24 hours per week during business hours with some evening availability.
• Strong academic record.
• Access to own housing and transportation to/from the assigned internship site.
• Must be comfortable working with children and adults of various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and religious beliefs.
• Able to give clear written and verbal instructions to people.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required.

• Social Work (BSW/MSW)
• Sociology or Human Services
• Nonprofit Management
• Public Administration
• Ministry or Theology
• Child & Family Studies / Human Development
• Communications or Marketing (for community engagement roles)

We are seeking a The DFCA Case Manager.  The DFCA Case Manager serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services and is responsible for the coordination and provision of services to foster children, foster families, and foster adoptive families. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Participate as a member of the Foster Care team to meet the physical, emotional, social, educational, and spiritual needs of the foster children during the time they are placed in a Buckner foster home, as outlined in each client’s plan of service.
• Provide ongoing case management for clients in Buckner foster homes.
• Participate in regular supervision and support with the client and foster parents during frequent home visits, office visits, and telephone contact as required by state licensing and Buckner policy and procedures.
• Provide family and/or support to foster care clients.
• Complete thorough documentation for case files in a timely manner in accordance with licensing requirements and Buckner policies and procedures.
• Maintain all documentation of client’s files in accordance with established minimum standards and Buckner policies and procedures. Audit client files on a regular basis to ensure that all requirements are met.
• Participate in child placing decisions for children being placed in foster homes.
• Timely and thoroughly complete all necessary admission and assessment paperwork; plan and complete discharge paperwork.
• Develop, monitor and review with clients their Plan of Service designed to increase strengths, address needs, and reduce conflict in the home.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Assess the child’s educational needs and coordinate with the child’s identified school and family on appropriate child-specific services. Provide guidance and support to the foster parents. Ensure the child’s educational portfolio is updated routinely.
• Develop, monitor, review discharge summary in collaboration with the post-permanency specialist and provide ongoing aftercare services for identified children in coordination with Post Permanency Coordinator.
• Work with foster parents 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.
• Collaborate with STAR Health to ensure effective communication and coordination of service.
• Participate in the screening and licensing of potential foster parents. Complete home studies for potential foster parents as part of the licensing process as required.
• Participate in in-service training, including SAMA, CPR/First Aid, Medications and any other clinical related training. Attend and participate in Buckner activities for foster parents and foster children.
• Facilitate and lead trainings for foster parents to provide them with pre-service and continuing education.
• Participate in recruiting foster homes by making presentation to the general public as required.
• Communicate with DFPS and other placement agencies by telephone and encrypted email; meet with placement agency caseworkers to discuss client needs
• Attend and participate in permanency conferences, family group conferences, circle of support meetings and court hearings as needed.
• Prepare progress reports for placement agency caseworkers as requested.

 What you’ll bring:

• Knowledge and experience must meet Texas Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in social work or other human services field required.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years prior related experience.
• Requires ability to work nights and weekends as required.
• Requires ability to work effectively with culturally diverse youth and families.
• Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English. Bilingual in English and Spanish 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. 

We are seeking a Manager of Program Administration for Counseling to join our Counseling and Mental Health Services Program. As a Manager of Program Administration for Counseling, you will Shine Hope as you will provide support toward strategic goals and best practices for the Counseling program across Texas to ensure alignment with Buckner’s mission, vision, and values. You will also participate in developing and implementing plans to meet overall goals and objectives and also demonstrate operational competence for continued program development. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Collaborate with Senior Director and Counseling Directors to analyze program needs and assist in program projects as requested to support organizational and strategic objectives for the Counseling program.
• Work effectively with Manager of Program Administration for BCFS Operation and Strategic Planning to support BCFS key initiatives and projects as requested by the BCFS Vice President and President.
• Provide support for contract management of Independent Contractors, in alignment with Manager of Program Administration and Strategic Planning, to meet program needs and strategic goals, including onboarding potential contractors in alignment with the Subcontracting Policies and Procedures.
• Communicate with potential and current contractors about contract requirements to ensure active contract status, and overseeing the termination of contracts as needed. Be responsible for best practices, policies, procedures, continuity, timeliness and communication with Independent Contractors, working in collaboration with the Senior Director and Counseling Directors.
• Develop and maintain communication framework for Independent Contractors to ensure alignment with Buckner’s goals, mission and values, and to ensure Independent Contractors are up to date on compliance, invoicing processes, and training needs.
• Support and maintain communication framework for Counseling team to include scheduling meetings, prepare agendas for clinical team, and handling communication with external stakeholders to support business needs
• Manage communication and coordination for the Clinical Consulting System, including requests, emails, and reports for internal and external communication.
• Collaborate with Program Development and Design team to help develop and promote quality control initiatives to support existing Continuous Quality Improvement processes for Counseling Services; identify potential corrective actions; discuss findings/ concerns with Senior Director and Counseling Directors and assist with any required adjustments.
• Understand budget requirements and sound financial management following Buckner policy and procedures. Assists in developing and monitoring the program budget as needed and tracking revenue and expenditures of the program and reporting this information to the appropriate Director. Assist with billing as needed including but not limited to contractor payments, invoice submission.
• Manage program compliances in collaboration with the Senior Director and Counseling Directors to ensure Policy and Procedures and other programmatic processes maintain compliance with state, federal, and other regulatory entities.

 What you’ll bring:

• Associate’s Degree in a business administration, project management, or related field of study required.
• Minimum of 3 years prior related business experience required.
• Experience working in mental health services preferred.
• Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English professionally.
• 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 Maternity Counselor - Bilingual in Spanish, serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services providing counseling, crisis intervention, and education to pregnant participants and parents of young children. The Maternity Counselor conducts outreach to hospitals, crisis pregnancy centers, and other community organizations serving expectant parents to increase community collaboration to promote positive infant and maternal health outcomes. The Maternity Counselor will facilitate infant adoptive placements by supporting a potential birth family, and provide therapeutic services to the child, adoptive parents, and birth parents after the adoption, when needed, adhering to licensing standards and Texas law. This position requires the candidate to be able to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish.

What you'll do:

• Analyze Life Design Maternity Counseling clinical program needs by developing, modifying, implementing and monitoring the program to best meet the changing needs of clients.
• Demonstrate operational competence in managing resources, including grant funding, and donations, particularly in relationship to client assistance.
• Complete needs assessments and develop individual therapeutic goals/action plans with clients. Monitor progress to mutually determine personal growth and to evaluate continuation of counseling services.
• Provide timely and appropriate services to clients as agreed with clients, and referral sources.
• Provide therapeutic services in individual, family, and group settings for clients and their families, including, but not limited to, planning, and implementation.
• Comply with quality assurance in treatment, case maintenance, and customer service.
• Support the open adoption philosophy that Buckner practices within the adoption ministry.
• Provide education to expectant parents on the adoption process to include the legal documents, court hearings, rights and responsibilities for parents who choose adoption.
• Complete all legal documents for adoption to occur in court, including paternity registry, and ensure attorney is provided documents in a timely manner and kept up to date throughout potential birth parent’s pregnancy and hospital stay. Attend court hearings as requested by attorney.
• Accurately and timely document individual, family, and group therapies in accordance with established guidelines and licensing standards.
• Serve as an advocate for clients and educate clients on community resources to support their well-being long-term.
• Respond in a timely manner to referrals, providing regular updates to referral sources when appropriate.
• Actively participate in staffings, the Clinical Consulting System, and on-call rotation when requested.
• Perform regular audits on client charts. Report any documentation errors to supervisor immediately. Accurately and timely correct all errors in accordance with established guidelines.
• Travel as needed to meet business needs.
• Work nights and weekends as required to meet business needs.
• Immediately and appropriately report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to supervisor, appropriate law enforcement agency, and DFPS.

 What you’ll bring:

• Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with the attainment of a Master’s Degree. Involves ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions dealing with abstract variables.  Requires LCSW, LMFT or LMSW working toward an LCSW through the Texas State Board of Social Workers Examiners or an LCP or a Masters in Psychology working toward an LPC licensure.
• Minimum 3 years prior related experience working with children and families required.
• Must maintain current, valid Social Work/LPC/LMFT licensure throughout the duration of employment and contribute to own professional growth and development by attending accredited workshops, conferences, and other training to enhance program services.
• Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish.
• Requires knowledge and understanding of the legalities involved with medical/clinical intervention.
• 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. 

We are seeking an Adoption Specialist to join our Foster Care & Adoption team in Dallas, TX.  The Adoption Specialist serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services is responsible for facilitating the placement and adoption of children in the care of TDFPS statewide (Waiting Texas Children) as well as Domestic Infant Adoption. Establish and build supportive and nurturing relationships with clients; Provide therapeutic services to the child and adoptive parents, before, during and after the adoption; provides services as prescribed by licensing standards and Texas law. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Accept inquiry calls, provide information and complete an initial screening on prospective adoptive parents for both the DIA and WTC programs.
• Obtain, review, screen and update pertinent information about Buckner WTC families desiring to adopt children in the guardianship of TDFPS.
• Obtain, review, screen and update pertinent information about Buckner DIA families desiring to adopt a child privately with Buckner.
• Obtain and review pertinent information about TDFPS children waiting adoptive placement. Also review TARE children and submit appropriate families for consideration.
• Review information on children in order to assess a prospective family’s ability to provide a safe, loving home that can meet the child’s needs in the DIA and WTC programs.
• Supervise adoptive families from home study approval until finalization in the DIA and WTC programs.
• Attend TDFPS placement meetings and make recommendations for matching and selection of TDPFS children with Buckner WTC families.
• Participate in child placing decisions for children being placed in adoptive homes. Complete documentation regarding the child placed in adoptive homes that meet licensing and contract requirements.
• Advocate for Buckner families to TDFPS staff to increase the number of children placed in Buckner WTC homes for the purpose of adoption.
• Assist adoptive families in the development of family profiles as they are used in placement considerations in both the WTC and DIA programs.
• Effectively develop and monitor family dynamics and treatment plans.
• Participate in the planning for adoptive family support groups. Effectively lead appropriate and professional support groups for clients as needed.
• Travel throughout assigned area to provide services to adoptive families.
• Consult with supervisor regarding specific needs of clients, legal issues, placement issues, and any other issues with which supervisor might be helpful.

 What you’ll bring:

• Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with attainment of education and experience related to the Buckner mission. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required
• Minimum of 1-3 years prior related experience required. 
• Applicant should qualify as child placement staff based on the TDFPS Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.
• 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.