Youth & Family Specialist

Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofits in New England and one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Youth and Family Support

Demonstrate a human centered, strength-based, and trauma informed philosophy by treating all clients, families and collaterals in a non-judgmental and respectful manner while building on their strengths.
Provide clinical case management working in multiple systems and settings providing services to foster children, foster families and biological families
Undertake the responsibility of “on-call” duty as assigned and is responsive to crises independently either by phone and\or in person, demonstrating a calm and professional approach while assuring safety for all involve
Facilitate treatment meetings/ foster care review, and invites the appropriate attendees, while ensuring effective interagency collaboration
Depending on level of training, provides group and/or individual counseling and coaching services, mediation and guidance to children and their biological and/or foster families

Recruitment and Foster Family Support

Support and participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans for program-specific foster care recruitment in conjunction with foster care recruitment across the Children and Families Service.
Participate in “matching process” and prepares foster parents for their work with the child/youth and family of origin
Recruit qualified foster homes on a continuous basis to meet the growing and challenging needs of clients
Develop and maintain expertise regarding regulatory requirements for foster parent qualification and renewal including record checks, evaluations and updating of file materials
Complete all documentation required by state licensing regulations in a timely manner, including but not limited to home studies, background checks , annual foster care review and waivers

Record Keeping, Reporting, Trainings and Meetings

Document all contacts and incidents and ensure files are up to date
Develop and complete assessments/home studies, service plans/treatment plans, progress notes and any other necessary documentation
Provide updates to the court both in writing and in person
Maintain organized up to date case/foster care files in accordance with contractual standards, state and federal law

We prioritize our employees' wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, for those who qualify, and a supportive workplace culture where all are encouraged and empowered to drive change, make a difference, and enjoy life outside of work.