Employment Opportunities

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Summary of Position

30 Days to Family® is a short-term intervention to expand efforts to find safe, appropriate relative support and placements for youth entering foster care. The program is designed to assist in meeting the 2008 Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act’s 30-day standard and Missouri youth placing agencies’ legal requirement of notifying a youth’s adult relatives of their option to participate in the care and placement of the youth.

This position reports to the Director of 30 Days to Family®. Collaborative consultation will be sought from all program teams.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Family engagement and support

• Family finding and diligent search

• Documentation and case management

• Licensing and placement preparation

• Program compliance and court involvement

• Data management and reporting

• Team collaboration and professional development

• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a social service field

Experience

• Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.
• Direct experience in the child welfare field with knowledge of foster care and adoption and experience in family interview, engagement, and assessment.
• Experience in resource parent licensing strongly

To Apply:

This is a full-time position. Send your resume and optional cover letter to recruiting@foster-adopt.org.  The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Download full job description.

Summary of Position

The Educational Advocate plays a critical role in providing educational support and advocacy for youth in foster care, those adopted from foster care, and children in guardianship arrangements from the foster care system. Serving as a key resource for caregivers, educators, and child welfare professionals, the advocate works to ensure that each child’s educational needs are met, empowering families to navigate complex systems effectively.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• School Placement & Educational Support: The advocate works with the child’s Educational Decision Maker to ensure appropriate school placement and access to necessary educational services.
• Special Education & Evaluations: Supports the acquisition of educational evaluations and ensures the implementation of special education services as required by law.
• Disciplinary Advocacy: Upholds the rights of students during disciplinary proceedings, ensuring fair treatment and due process.
• Mental & Behavioral Support: Connects students to essential behavioral, emotional, or mental health resources to promote educational success.
• Initial Assessment: After an intake consultation, the advocate conducts a thorough assessment, including school observations, interviews with school staff, and potential direct interviews with the child.
• Individualized Service Plan: A comprehensive plan is developed, outlining goals and existing support, which guides the advocacy process.
• Collaborative Action: The advocate works closely with school teams, service agencies, and the family to address educational concerns, facilitate IEP meetings, and ensure proper documentation is in place.
• Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Once goals are achieved, the advocate maintains periodic check-ins and follow-ups to ensure long-term success, including home visits or additional observations.
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Master’s degree in education or related field required.

Experience

• Proven Experience in Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, leveraging innovative strategies to overcome challenges and ensure successful outcomes for children and families.
• Expert Knowledge of Education & Foster Care Systems: In-depth understanding of the education system, including Special Education processes, child development, and educational laws, paired with experience navigating the foster care system.
• Minimum of 2 Years Relevant Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience working within or alongside the education and foster care systems, preferably with direct involvement in advocating for youth in foster care or those with educational barriers.

To Apply:

This is a full-time position. Send your resume and optional cover letter to recruiting@foster-adopt.org.  The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.