Employment Opportunities

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

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. The initial search is for non-offending parents and grandparents, but at least 80 additional relatives will be identified, contacted, and explored for potential placement and support. Because foster care placements can be fragile, the goal is to identify multiple relatives or kin as potential placement providers. Maternal and paternal relatives are explored with equal interest.

In all cases, every effort is made to keep siblings together, maintain youth in their school of origin, and preserve the youth’s important relationships with friends and supportive adults. Once the placement provider is identified, the Specialist provides support to the family in the identification of family and community resources, assistance in eliminating barriers to placement with relatives, and creating a network of formal and informal supports to assist with placement stability.

To best meet the scheduling needs of the family, approximately 10% of the Specialist’s work may be performed in the evening or on the weekend.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a commitment to the following program philosophies:
  • Youth deserve to be with their family
  • Family takes care of family
  • All families include members who are willing and able to care for youth
  • Families are the expert and may need help discovering and organizing their strengths
  • Relatives have a right to know family exists
  • Everyone has something to contribute
• Assists the case manager and court officials with meeting the Fostering Connections to Success Act, applicable Missouri statutes, and Missouri Children’s Division policy regarding relative/kin notification and
• Collects information from relatives/kin to expand the youth’s support system and family connections, while identifying potential relative home providers.
• Identifies and documents at least 80 relatives/kin for each youth through family finding diligent search activities, including: internet & database searches; Children’s Division case file reviews; and youth, family, and collateral contact
• Facilitates ongoing communication with the team and provides the referring agencies with accurate family documentation, including detailed genograms, family contact information, and identified family supports on a regular basis.
• Participates in court hearings, external and internal meetings and/or individual professional consultations. Most of these meetings will be attended in
• Navigates various software packages to obtain, collect, and track program outcome data in a timely manner as required by the funder and/or the Foster & Adoptive Care
• Completes assessments on the youth and family functioning upon case referral and case closure to measure the success and outcomes of the
• Assists in preparing the family for licensure by explaining the licensing process and assisting with home licensing
• Provides identified relative resource provider with additional community support and resources for placement stability.
• Submits detailed activity notes and documentation of all case related billing activities in accordance with funding requirements as required by the funder and/or the Foster & Adoptive Care
• Completes monthly billing sheets timely and daily activity log, accurately and in accordance with funding requirements as required by the funder and/or the Foster & Adoptive Care
• Maintains accurate files and records for each
• Understands, or willing to learn, Genopro and Salesforce.
• Meets all 30 Days to Family® program outcomes.
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in 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 cover letter to recruiting@foster-adopt.org. The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

Summary of Position

Multiple systems serve children in foster care with the highest level of mental and physical health needs. These systems function independently and often at cross-purposes, resulting in poor outcomes for youth. The Comprehensive Systems Navigator theory of change is to create a practice-level System of Care created for each youth and family served. The intention is for these systems to function as an accountable, cohesive network that meets the youth and family’s needs. In addition to the child welfare system, the Comprehensive Systems Navigator may interact with the following systems: mental health, physical health, educational, and developmental.

The Comprehensive Systems Navigator acts as care coordination consultant, helping the youth and family navigate multiple systems by:

• Engaging the youth and family
• Being a single point of contact
• Facilitating communication among providers
• Tracking outcomes
• providing referrals and linkages
• Managing service provider transitions
• Providing supportive follow up.

The Comprehensive Systems Navigator helps the family drive the service plan to completion, navigating systems, and overcoming barriers. Given the nature of this position, up to 40% of the work hours can be expected to occur in the late afternoon, early evening, and occasional weekends. Services are designed to be culturally sensitive, trauma informed, and promising practices to ensure the youth will have improved outcomes that results in placement stability.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Navigates the above systems.
• Facilitates team discussions that allow members to focus on the common goal of successful placement.
• Provides wraparound services by cultivating and networking with resource and referral services and supports within the
• Understands relevant policy and has a high comfort level researching gaps in
• Directs families and professionals through case-based advocacy
• Utilizes knowledge of complex-developmental trauma and attachment-based strategies to educate parents and caregivers about the unique issues surrounding adoption and guardianship, child development, loss, grief, attachment, and
• Respects and demonstrates understanding for differences including the ability to interact effectively with individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability and socioeconomic
• Receives and responds to training, coaching, supervision, and feedback; works well in team setting.
• Responds to communication from families and professionals in a timely
• Visits with the child and family in-home or in the community to address concerns that relate to placement stability.
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Experience

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome Experience navigating the child welfare and Department of Mental Health systems is preferred.

To Apply:

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

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

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 cover letter to recruiting@foster-adopt.org.  The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Download full job description.

Summary of Position

Families United is a comprehensive relative support program dedicated to assisting relatives and kinship caregivers in navigating the foster care licensing process while offering emotional and practical support. We recognize that kinship placements can occur unexpectedly, often placing immediate and significant responsibilities on caregivers. Our goal is to support families every step of the way, providing advocacy, education, resources, and crisis assistance to help them maintain stable, healthy homes for their loved ones.

The Families United program offers license-ready assistance which focuses on guiding families through the entire foster care licensing process. This includes completing home studies, gathering necessary documents, attending court hearings, providing required training, and connecting families with community resources. Once a family is licensed, ongoing support continues until the child’s case closes.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Guide relative caregivers through the licensing process
• Conduct home visits and maintain communication
• Facilitate caregiver training
• Advocate for families and engage families proactively
• Maintain thorough documentation
• Participate in team and agency meetings
• Remain informed about policy
• Integrate feedback and collaborate effectively
• Demonstrate cultural competence
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related social service field required.

Experience

• Direct professional work experience in foster care licensing
• Minimum of two years in child welfare field with direct experience working with foster and adoptive families
• STARS Train the Trainer certified is preferred
• SAFE trained or available to complete training within 60 days

To Apply:

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

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

Summary of Position

The Family Support Specialist serves families impacted by foster care in Franklin, Lincoln, and Warren Counties, specifically those caring for youth under the jurisdiction of the court in these regions. The role involves providing direct support and case navigation services to foster, relative, and adoptive parents, and the child welfare team. The specialist works collaboratively with all involved parties, including the child, foster placement, and biological family members to assist in meeting the identified program goals.

The primary focus of the Family Support Specialist is to support the development and implementation of individualized advocacy or case plans aimed at preventing placement disruptions. The Specialist will assist in identifying additional familial and natural supports, provide referrals to community resources, and work toward strengthening partnerships between families and the child welfare team.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Education Support
• Mental Health Support
• Parent Coaching & Behavioral Health
• Kinship Navigation
• Resource, Referral, and Case-Based Advocacy
• Documentation & Data Management
• Family Engagement & Goal Setting
• Communications & Coordination
• Case Advocacy & Support
• Community Resources & Networking
• Meetings & Collaboration
• Professional Development
• Policy Knowledge
• Trauma-Informed Support
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of community resources in Franklin, Lincoln, and Warren Counties related to education, mental health, parent coaching, and kinship care.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with families, child welfare teams, and community partners.
• Familiarity with child welfare practices and a commitment to supporting families in the foster care system.
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and provide direct support to families while ensuring effective service delivery.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related required.

Experience

• Knowledge of the foster care system.
• Minimum of two years of experience in child welfare, with direct experience working with foster and adoptive families.
• Knowledge of services and supports in Franklin, Warren, and Lincoln Counties.

To Apply:

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

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

Summary of Position

The Family Works program is an in-home parenting support intervention intended to stabilize and enhance foster, pre and post-adoptive, and guardianship homes at risk of disruption due to the family’s depleted capacity to meet the needs of children impacted by abuse and neglect.

The Family Works Specialist has a master’s degree in social work or a counseling related field. They have extensive training and clinical understanding of developmental trauma, neurobiology, attachment, and their impact on foster/adoptive youth and families. Enrolled families have access to support from their Specialists during when escalated situations occur. This sometimes occurs after office hours and on weekends.

The program focuses on increasing the caregiver’s capacity to understand, accept, and effectively respond to the behavioral challenges children and youth present. Through this program, caregivers are provided support, skills, validation, and psychoeducation to remain open and engaged with their child, even during challenging behaviors, creating a haven for growth and healing.

The program follows the principles of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). It uses strategies and techniques to help the family stabilize and further support the child(ren) to develop greater relational skills, increase their sense of personal safety and security, resolve developmental trauma, and facilitate new relationships.

Projected Outcomes:

• 80% of children will remain home or move to a more stable living situation
• 70% of parents have knowledge, skills, and support for positive parenting (measured by the Parental Stress Scale)

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Utilize knowledge of complex developmental trauma and attachment-based strategies to educate parents and caregivers about the unique issues surrounding adoption and guardianship, identity development, loss, grief, attachment, and trauma.
• Appointment days and times are dependent on the availability of individual families assigned to the specialist. Given the nature of this position, up to 20% of the work hours can be expected to occur in the evenings and/or weekends.
• Identify, collaborate with, and refer to collateral service providers.
• Respond to families with a sense of urgency and in a timely manner.
• Respond to communication from families, staff, and professionals promptly.
• Provide face-to-face child and family interventions.
• Partner with families to identify and establish attainable goals and support families in achieving them.
• Navigate and use various software packages to promptly obtain, collect, and track program data as required by the funder and the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. This includes but is not limited to Salesforce.
• Provide wraparound services by cultivating and networking with resource and referral services and support within the community (i.e., school programs, family court, summer camps, therapy services). Link children and families to such services and support.
• Request and review psychological, medical, educational, legal, and social service records supporting the child and family to reach the goals.
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related counseling field.
• LMSW, LCSW, PLPC, or LPC preferred.

Experience

• 2 Years of experience in child welfare or related field with direct client contact.

To Apply:

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

Download full job description.

Base Salary: $56,595

Summary of Position

The purpose of the Older Youth Readiness Program is to: 1. help youth in foster care establish safe and meaningful connections to relationships lost while in foster care; 2. link youth with meaningful resources; and 3. establish new opportunities to help youth transition out of foster care and into successful and healthy adults. The focus for youth ages 16 – 24 is to assist with navigating and obtaining access to the relevant services necessary to achieve well-being. Youth 13-15 may receive support through the program to build support earlier to improve their opportunities for success in adulthood. Youth guide the service plan process which directs the pathway to develop strong relationships with the goal of achieving interdependence.
The Navigator acts as care coordination consultant, collaborating with and organizing multiple systems tailored to the youth’s specific plan. In addition to the child welfare system, the navigator may assist with the following additional systems:

• family and community
• mental health services
• life skills systems
• disability services
• affordable housing
• employment and workforce development
• placement stability
• transition services

Given the nature of the program, up to 40% of the Older Youth Readiness Navigator work hours can be expected to occur in the late afternoon, early evening, and occasional weekends. Services are designed to be culturally sensitive, trauma informed and use promising practices to ensure youth will have improved outcomes that result in placement stability.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Navigates the above systems.
• Facilitates decision-making and communications within and between systems.
• Initiates difficult discussions.
• Provides wraparound services by cultivating and networking with resource and referral services and supports within the community.
• Understands relevant policy and has a high comfort level researching gaps in knowledge
• Directs families and professionals through case-based advocacy situations
• Respects and demonstrates understanding for differences including the ability to interact effectively with individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability and socioeconomic status.
• Receives and responds to training, coaching, supervision, and feedback; works well in team setting
• Responds to communication from families and professionals in a timely manner.
• Visits with the child and family in-home or in the community to address concerns that relate to placement stability.
• Participates in team and agency meetings and/or individual professional consultations; Majority of these meetings should be attended in person.
• Completes thorough, professional, and timely documentation (i.e. intake forms, assessment, progress and activity notes, progress maintenance plans and closing summaries).
• See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Experience

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles. Experience navigating the child welfare, mental health, physical health, housing, and workforce development systems are preferred.

To Apply:

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