Home Developer at Buckner in Lufkin, TX

Buckner Children and Family Services Community: Foster Care and Adoption

Location: Lufkin, TX - Onsite

Address: 3402 Daniel McCall

Job Schedule: Full-Time

We are seeking a Home Developer to join our Foster Care and Adoption Program. As a Home Developer, you will Shine Hope as you are responsible for the coordination and implementation of recruiting families to become Buckner foster parents and promoting Buckner Foster Care services to the community. You will also provide an ongoing assessment of the prospective families. The role will also provide monitoring and development of the licensed foster parents. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others!

What you'll do:

• Coordinate and implement the recruitment of foster parents for the Foster Care program. Recruit foster homes by writing letters, placing ads and giving presentations; take inquiries from potential foster families.
• Recruit and develop foster homes; participate in public relations assignments directed for purposes of educating the community about resource need within the region of service.
• Timely and accurately complete the required licensing, assessment, and support processes to ensure that families meet Licensing Standards and are appropriately prepared to care for children; make recommendations for utilization; introduce new families to field/adoptive staff for future utilization; amend individual licenses relative to caps, city, age ranges, etc. and renew licenses at required intervals.
• Maintain a supportive relationship with foster care resources, which includes identifying on-going training and support needs; assisting in obtaining such services along with other team members; coordinating, with assistance from other team members; providing support and strengthening Department relationships with foster parents; monitoring licensed foster or adoptive homes as required to ensure the home is in compliance with Licensing Standards and assisting families in resolving compliance issues.
• Work with foster parent in coordinating visits with placing agency and/or family for family visits and contact. Assist foster parents with transportation for family visits and other necessary appointments.
• Assist foster parents with age-appropriate therapeutic and leisure activities.
• Consult with TDFPS staff with recommendations about the selection of foster family resources that best meet the needs of the children, which includes recommendations for support services to maintain the resource.
• Conduct investigations relative to complaints about licensed foster /adoptive homes in accordance with the TDFPS; identify issues and assist families in developing corrective action plans; and make recommendations for licensing enforcement when appropriate.
• Participate in regional needs assessment process by identifying and prioritizing foster / adoptive care needs at the local level.
• Provide / maintain reports, statistics, records and documentation of activities on a monthly basis or as required.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Requires extensive knowledge of modern methods and techniques required for specialized training programs.
• Requires working knowledge of the administration of training programs and knowledge of available literature in the social work field.
• Requires working knowledge of current social and economic problems of community and individual health, educational and recreational needs and community and State resources.
• Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
• Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
• Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

About Buckner Children and Family Services:

Since 1879 Buckner has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving hundreds of thousands of people each year in the United States and around the world. Learn more about our programs and ministry at buckner.org. Buckner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants – with respect. Buckner is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, ​age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Buckner.