Home Study Contractor
Job Function
The home study contractor is responsible for completing foster and/or adoptive home studies for the purpose of recommending approval or re-approval for prospective or current foster, respite, or adoptive families. The home study contractor assesses, evaluates, and helps field potential of adoptive families. The person in this position may recommend additional counseling or raising for the family as part of the home development process.
Core Responsibilities and Expectations
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Determines suitability of prospective and current foster care/adoptive home families. This includes preparation of comprehensive psycho-social home study, interviewing of foster/adoptive parent applicants to evaluate the family's motivation, functioning and syndics, and collecting and interpreting collateral information. Assessment is completed according to agency standards for foster or adoptive parent competencies.
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Assures compliance of foster/adoptive home with program policies and state licensing or certification requirements. Seeks clarification from supervisor on areas of uncertainty.
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Provides an awareness of potentially serious problems which may arise in the foster/adoptive care homes and alerts leadership of such concerns, especially those which may have legal risk or safety ramifications.
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This position is expected to use computers in performance of writing and producing foster and adoptive home studies. Additionally, all home study paperwork is uploaded and managed in the agency case management online system. Ensures accuracy of all record, reports, and documentation accurately, thoroughly, and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations.
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Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values, mission.
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Maintains confidentiality of applicant's and agency information.
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Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity, and other issues of diversity.
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Maintains timely communication with others and is able to effectively meet deadlines.
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Treats children, staff, foster parents, and others with respect and dignity.
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Displays a strong discernment and decision-making skills.
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Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings.
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Completes other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree an accredited college or university in the area of behavioral or social sciences, social work, guidance counseling, psychology childhood education, special education or related field.
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Minimum of 3 years' experience in child welfare, preferably in foster or adoptive families. Experience with GA+SCORE and IMPACT curriculum preferred, but not required. Must successfully complete IMPACT FCP Train the Trainer upon hire.
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Heart for Children and Families: Contractors will demonstrate through personal choices and lifestyle the value they place on family and children. Contractors may be asked to provide personal references from family, friends, and neighbors demonstrating their family values accordingly.
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No Criminal Background: Applicant will be required to have a criminal background check completed through the GAPS Cogent system. F4F will provide applicant with necessary paperwork and location to have fingerprinting completed at no cost to the applicant. Results of the background check will be returned to the Executive Director for review. Under no circumstance will a job offer be extended until background check has been completed and cleared by the Office of Inspector General for the state of Georgia. The Executive Director will review background checks prior to any offer of employment.