Care Specialist

JOB TITLE:  Care Specialist
REPORTS TO: Foster Care Program Director
EMPLOYEE STATUS: Exempt
AGENCY: Anna's House Foundation, a Faith-Based Organization

The Care Specialist provides foundational support to foster families and assists with designated aspects of child case management. This role focuses on recognizing foster family stress, supporting placement stability, maintaining accurate documentation, and working collaboratively within the care team. Care Specialist staff manages an abbreviated caseload and receive regular supervision while developing competency in core casework skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Case manages an abbreviated caseload of foster homes and children
• Document case activity in Extended Reach, ensuring compliance with all timelines (intake documents within 48 hours of placement; monthly visits documented within 72 hours).
• Writes annual updates for assigned families and submits to the Placement Supervisor for approval within required timeframes. Completes annual reassessments of homes to include alternate caregivers within required timeframe.
• Work with Placement Supervisor and DHS in placement of children. Participate in on-call rotation with guidance and backup support.
• Attend family meetings and serve in an interdisciplinary role working with DHS case workers in the development and application of a child’s service plan to include services such as dental, mental health counseling, transportation, medications, health screenings, vision services, hearing services.
• Assist foster parents in writing court reports and attend court hearings to advocate for the child and the foster parents.
• Exercise a strong presence to convene monthly groups, shape dialogues, and develop and manage productive relationships within the AHF community.
• Returns all family, staff, and inter-agency correspondence with urgency.
• Participate in agency groups, meetings, and community-building activities.
• Assist with special projects and volunteer program activities as assigned.
• Complete required CEUs and entry-level professional development trainings.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:
• Minimum education required, Bachelor’s degree in social work; or behavioral or social science
• Minimum of 12 months experience in children’s or family services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

PREFERRED ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
• One year of experience in a position serving the foster care population
• Skilled at working in a team and place organizational success above personal success
• Ability to effectively translate between the operations of AHF and OKDHS
• Proficient at creating and tracking project schedules
• Willingness to communicate by phone or email outside of normal business hours
• Skilled at working well independently and within continuously evolving teams

CORE COMPETENCIES:
• Ability to recognize early signs of foster family stress and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Foundational knowledge of trauma-informed care for children and caregivers.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and grow in practice.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.