Lutheran Social Services of New York - Safe Haven is hiring: Bilingual Foster Pa

POSITION: Bilingual Foster Parent Trainer/Recruiter – Unaccompanied Minors Program

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Safe Haven for Children Program

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt (Salaried)

RATE: $45,000 per annum

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Lutheran Safe Haven Shelter and Transitional Foster Care Program is a 24-hour program that serves unaccompanied children (UCs) in immigration custody who are awaiting release to their sponsors. The Foster Parent Trainer/Recruiter supports program staff, specifically around recruiting, home finding, and identifying and developing community relationships with trainers.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Receive, process intake calls; recruit, train, provide orientation for resource foster parents in NYS.

· Assess potential resource parents’ abilities and motivations; prepare home studies.

· Conduct home visits and compile documents required to complete home studies, recertification, etc.

· Research, create and implement annual training curricula for foster parents per ORR requirements.

· Regularly enter all required information into program systems/case files per program policies and procedures.

· Ensure compliance with local, state, and Federal rules and regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA.

· Process resource parent applications in a timely manner.

· Ensure that all background clearances for foster parents (e.g., SCR, DCJS, etc.) are conducted.

· Process and monitor receipt of required certification and recertification documents.

· Create and maintain resource parents’/applicants’ records/files.

· Attend required meetings and trainings (e.g., ACS, OCFS, ORR, etc.).

· Develop and implement outreach strategies to maximize agency presence within communities.

· Liaise with community organizations, i.e., Community Partnership Initiative.

· Follow up with families to obtain any outstanding required documents.

· Perform other duties as required by direct supervisor or needs of the program/agency.

· Maintain regular contact with active foster parents, document contact in progress/case notes.

SUPERVISES: Volunteers as needed

EDUCATION: bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years’ relevant experience

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

· Fluency in English and Spanish required; strong verbal and writing skills in both languages

· Knowledgeable about working with foster care youth and children and families at risk preferred

· Ability to manage time effectively, multi-task and determine priorities

· High degree of organization and attention to detail; resourceful/solution-focused

· Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional weekends.

· Experience and facility with Microsoft Office Applications

· OCFS Connections experience preferred, but not required

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

This position description contains the major responsibilities required to perform this job. These responsibilities may change at any time to meet the needs of our clients, residents or agency.

DATE REVISED: 08/23/2023

I have read this position description and fully understand the contents.

Furthermore, I understand that this position is classified as an essential worker in the Safe Haven for Children program, and as such, accept responsibility for the completion of my critical services to clients in

person, even during times of emergency which may include reporting to a program site. These include, but are not limited to, emergencies caused by: weather, nationwide pandemics, civil unrest, and domestic threat.