Foster Care Specialist

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

  • Lincoln, NE
  • $19.62-29.90 per hour
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
Position:Foster Care SpecialistDivision:Tribal AffairsDepartment:Human Services DepartmentReports To:Child Welfare SupervisorLocation:OpenExempt/Non-Exempt:Non-exemptSalary:Grade 8 ($19.62/hour - $29.90/hour)Classification:FulltimeSummary:The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.The Foster Care Specialist is responsible for the recruitment, training, licensing, and supportive services for foster families who serve children in out of home placement. The Foster Care Specialist will collaborate with the Human Services staff on all out of home placement activities and be responsible for keeping them informed of all current resources available to families. The Foster Care Specialist will also work with and provide resources for parents and families whose children are in out of home care as needed.Essential Responsibilities and Duties: * Implements Ponca Child Welfare program goals and objectives through licensing and supporting foster homes, kinship homes, and parents.
  • Recruits families or interested parties for foster parenting through community awareness and marketing of foster care program.
  • Accepts foster parent applications and determines the suitability for foster care licensure or approval.
  • Works with prospective foster parents to complete licensure procedure.
  • Coordinate with staff to update monthly foster care list and ensure resource families receive accurate and timely reimbursements.
  • Completes foster care home studies based on information collected through interviews with prospective foster, kinship parents and identified collaterals.
  • Facilitate foster parent training, incorporating traditional and western parenting skills in parent training curriculum to ensure relative and foster parents are well-trained and supported to achieve positive outcomes for children.
  • Assists with development and implementation of foster care licensing standards consistent with tribal, state, and federal IV-E requirements.
  • Locate Native American resources for families in out of home placement.
  • Conducts home visits as outlined within the foster care support plan with children and foster families and provides timely and complete documentation.
  • Generate and provide reports for supervisor and/or director review to meet all reporting requirements in a timely manner.
  • Manages all case documentation in compliance with agency and funding guidelines ensuring confidentiality.
  • Develops and maintains positive relationships with community members, organizations, and agencies by educating and providing information related to foster care, parenting, and other pertinent social services issues to increase services and provide strength-based approaches.
  • Other duties as
Relationships and Authority:This position has no supervisory authority. Works closely with other departments including Behavioral Health, Health Services, Community Health Workers, Culture, Ponca Express, Domestic Violence, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees, Elder's Council, as well as external organizations and agencies.Working Environment and Physical Demands:This position is in a professional office environment. This position requires frequent verbal and written communication including face-to-face, virtual, and telephone interactions. At times staff may be required to work with clients who are in crisis and must demonstrate empathy, understanding, respect, and advocacy while remaining calm in stressful situations.This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. This staff will sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently during work hours. This position will be subject to potentially emotionally disturbing material as presented to staff, clients, and outside entities.Will be required to work outside normal business hours to include evenings and weekends.Extensive travel throughout the Ponca Service Delivery Area will be required and occasional travel outside of the Service Delivery Area.Qualifications:Minimum: * Bachelor's degree in human services or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Two years of experience preparing home studies and/or foster care licensing.
  • Two years of experience in adoption services, foster care services, and/or child protective services.
  • Excellent facilitation and interpersonal communication skills to provide training to potential foster homes.
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license and be insurable.
  • Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background** checks.
  • Able and willing to travel in and out of the Ponca Service Delivery Area.
Preferred: * Master's Degree in a human services field, related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
  • One year of experience with Title IV-E foster care and adoption subsidy.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination Act.
Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.**This position must comply with Public Law 101-630, Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and 25 CFR Part 63 Indian Child Protection Act.Tribal Council Approval: 04/16/2024

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska