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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Foster Care Coordinator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Social ServicesNon-ProfitChild WelfareCase Management

🎯 Role Definition

As a Foster Care Coordinator, you are the central link in a network dedicated to healing and hope. You will be entrusted with managing a caseload of children in foster care, guiding them and their caregivers through a complex system with empathy and expertise. Your primary mission is to ensure each child's safety, stability, and well-being while diligently working towards a permanent, loving home, whether through reunification, adoption, or another planned arrangement. This role requires a unique blend of advocacy, counseling, and administrative skill, all driven by a profound commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Case Aide / Case Management Assistant
  • Social Work Intern or Practicum Student
  • Direct Care Staff in a residential facility
  • Behavioral Health Technician

Advancement To:

  • Foster Care Supervisor / Program Supervisor
  • Licensing Specialist or Homefinder Supervisor
  • Program Manager or Director
  • Adoption Coordinator / Adoption Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • School Social Worker
  • Child Protective Investigator
  • Youth Services Counselor
  • Family Support Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage a caseload of children in foster care, ensuring all aspects of their safety, well-being, and developmental needs are met.
  • Develop, implement, and review comprehensive, individualized service plans in collaboration with the child, foster family, biological family, and multidisciplinary team.
  • Conduct regular and thorough home visits to foster homes to assess the child’s adjustment, monitor the home environment, and provide direct support to foster parents.
  • Provide expert case management, including coordinating services with schools, therapists, medical professionals, and other community resource providers.
  • Facilitate and supervise visitation between children and their biological families, providing coaching and support to promote healthy interaction and bonding.
  • Prepare detailed, accurate, and timely documentation, including case notes, progress reports, court summaries, and treatment plan reviews in compliance with agency and state standards.
  • Advocate for the child's needs in various settings, including court hearings, school meetings (e.g., IEPs), and medical appointments.
  • Attend and provide professional testimony in juvenile court hearings, presenting information and recommendations related to the child’s permanency plan.
  • Conduct comprehensive, strengths-based assessments of children and families, such as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment.
  • Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support to children and foster families, including participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies.
  • Work collaboratively with licensing staff to support the recruitment, training, and retention of a diverse and qualified pool of foster families.
  • Champion permanency planning for every child, actively working towards goals of family reunification, adoption, or legal guardianship.
  • Build and maintain strong, trusting, and professional relationships with children, foster parents, and biological parents through consistent and compassionate communication.
  • Transport children safely to and from appointments, family visits, school, and other necessary activities using a personal or agency vehicle.
  • Ensure all services and documentation adhere to state licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and contract requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate actively in weekly team meetings, case conferences, and individual supervision to review case progress and receive clinical guidance.
  • Assist in the planning and facilitation of ongoing training, support groups, and appreciation events for foster parents.
  • Maintain and update client files and records within the agency's electronic health record or case management software.
  • Collaborate with intake and placement teams to ensure appropriate matching of children with suitable foster homes based on their specific needs.
  • Develop a comprehensive network of community resources and partnerships to better serve the needs of clients and families on your caseload.
  • Compile monthly and quarterly statistical reports on caseload activities, client progress, and outcome measures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Case Management: Demonstrated expertise in managing a full caseload, including service planning, coordination, and documentation.
  • Child Welfare Knowledge: Deep understanding of state and federal child welfare laws, policies, and best practices.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Proficiency in writing clear, concise, and objective court reports, case notes, and service plans.
  • Assessment Tools: Experience with child and family assessment tools (e.g., CANS, FAST).
  • Technology Proficiency: Competency in using electronic health records (EHR) or case management software (e.g., Connections, Evolv) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Valid Driver's License: A current, valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable, insured vehicle are required.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification: Willingness to obtain or maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.

Soft Skills

  • Empathy & Compassion: Ability to connect with and support children and families from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma.
  • Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Skill in remaining calm and effective while managing high-stress, emotionally charged situations.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, courts, and community partners.
  • Resilience & Stress Management: Capacity to handle the emotional demands of child welfare work and practice self-care to prevent burnout.
  • Advocacy: A strong voice and unwavering commitment to championing the best interests of children.
  • Cultural Competency: Awareness and respect for cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences among client populations.
  • Problem-Solving: Critical thinking skills to navigate complex family dynamics and systemic barriers.
  • Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain organized records for a full caseload.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or a related human services field. Licensure (LSW, LCSW, LPC) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Human Services
  • Counseling
  • Child Development

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of professional experience in case management, child welfare, or a related social services field working directly with children and families.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working in a foster care or child protection setting.
  • Experience with trauma-informed care principles and practices.
  • Bilingual abilities (e.g., English/Spanish) are often highly valued.
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