Foster Care Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of social work, the need for dedicated Foster Care Coordinators is crucial.

As societal challenges evolve, the demand for compassionate individuals who can navigate, enhance, and protect the foster care system grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Foster Care Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional seeking to understand the fundamentals of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of foster care coordination,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Foster Care Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Foster Care Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Foster Care Coordinators play a crucial role in the child welfare system.

They primarily work with foster children and their foster parents, ensuring that the children are safe and the parents have the resources they need.

Additionally, they may work with biological parents, courts, and other professionals involved in the child’s life.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Foster Care Coordinator include:

• Interviewing and conducting home studies of potential foster parents
• Preparing and conducting training for foster parents
• Matching foster children with appropriate foster homes
• Providing ongoing support and resources to foster parents
• Monitoring the safety and well-being of foster children through home visits and check-ins
• Coordinating and attending court dates and other important meetings related to the child’s case
• Maintaining detailed records and case files
• Working with biological parents, social workers, therapists, and other professionals to develop and implement a plan for the child’s future
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Assisting with the transition of a child into a foster home or back to their biological home

 

Foster Care Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and organized Foster Care Coordinator to join our team.

The Foster Care Coordinator will be primarily responsible for recruiting, training and supporting foster families, as well as coordinating placement of children into suitable foster homes.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of child welfare and the foster care system, with excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.

They should be driven by a desire to make a significant impact on the lives of children in need.

 

Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview and assess potential foster families
• Coordinate training for foster parents and provide them with continuous support
• Arrange and supervise family visits for children in foster care
• Collaborate with social workers, counselors and other professionals on child welfare cases
• Ensure compliance with state and federal foster care regulations
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation on all foster care cases
• Assess the needs of each child and coordinate placement into suitable foster homes
• Conduct home visits and inspections as needed
• Organize foster care awareness and recruitment events

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in foster care coordination or a similar role within child welfare
• Knowledge of local and federal foster care regulations
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make difficult decisions
• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field
• Valid state driver’s license and reliable transportation

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Foster Care Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with regular field work. Travel is required for home visits, meetings, and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Foster Care Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Foster Care Coordinator Do?

Foster Care Coordinators typically work for government agencies, private foster care agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Their primary role is to ensure the welfare of children placed in foster care.

They are responsible for managing the placement of children into suitable foster homes, ensuring the foster families meet the necessary requirements and standards.

They assess the home environment, conduct background checks, and review references for potential foster families.

A Foster Care Coordinator is also in charge of managing and coordinating support services for foster families and children, including counseling, educational resources, and health care services.

They liaise between social workers, foster families, biological parents, and relevant organizations to ensure the child’s best interests are met.

They conduct regular follow-up visits and assessments to monitor the child’s well-being and progress.

They also play a role in managing any issues or challenges that may arise within the foster family setting.

Foster Care Coordinators are often involved in training foster parents, facilitating workshops, and providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children in their care.

They are also responsible for documenting and maintaining accurate records regarding each child and foster family in their caseload.

This includes case histories, health records, educational progress, and any significant changes or developments.

In case of any legal proceedings, the Foster Care Coordinator may be required to present these records and provide testimony.

They must ensure they are up-to-date and accurately reflect the child’s situation and progress.

 

Foster Care Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A competent Foster Care Coordinator should possess a blend of specific qualifications, personal attributes, and professional skills, including:

• Knowledge of child development and understanding the trauma experienced by children in foster care.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, allowing them to interact effectively with children, foster families, biological parents, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate meetings, mediate between parties, and convey pertinent information accurately and empathetically.
• Problem-solving abilities to manage and resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise in foster homes or between various parties involved.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to handle paperwork, keep accurate records, and ensure adherence to all foster care regulations and protocols.
• Strong advocacy skills to represent the best interests of children in foster care in various settings, including court hearings and education meetings.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain professionalism in sensitive circumstances.
• Proficiency in case management software and basic computer applications for documentation and reporting purposes.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make referrals as needed to meet the needs of children and families.

 

Foster Care Coordinator Experience Requirements

Foster Care Coordinators are generally required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field such as social work, psychology, or child development.

This can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time positions in child welfare agencies or other relevant organizations.

Candidates with bachelor’s degrees in social work, psychology, or a related field often have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to fulfill the duties of a Foster Care Coordinator.

Individuals with more than 3 years of experience in child welfare, social services, or foster care systems can further enhance their professional profile.

This experience often involves handling case management, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and advocating for the needs of children in foster care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience and advanced degrees or certifications may also have leadership experience, which is crucial for supervisory or managerial roles in foster care coordination.

Such professionals are typically responsible for developing and implementing policies, overseeing multiple cases, and leading teams of social workers or case managers.

It is highly beneficial if the candidate also has direct experience dealing with foster care children and families, as this position requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements that come with fostering.

 

Foster Care Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Foster Care Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.

However, some positions may require a master’s degree in social work or a related field.

They need a strong background in child welfare and are usually required to have several years of experience working with children and families, particularly in a foster care setting.

Some positions may require Foster Care Coordinators to be licensed social workers.

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally require a degree from an accredited social work program, supervised work experience, and a passing score on a licensing exam.

Additional training in areas such as child development, family dynamics, crisis intervention, and counseling is beneficial.

Foster Care Coordinators also need to have excellent communication and organizational skills, as they often have to manage multiple cases at once and communicate effectively with foster parents, biological parents, children, and other professionals in the child welfare system.

Continuing education is important for Foster Care Coordinators to stay updated on changes in laws and policies related to foster care.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, or further education.

Certification in trauma-informed care, child and adolescent development, or a related area may enhance a Foster Care Coordinator’s skills and employability.

 

Foster Care Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Foster Care Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the organization one works for.

 

Foster Care Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Foster Care Coordinator need?

To become a Foster Care Coordinator, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

Some employers may also require a master’s degree.

Additionally, practical experience in social services or child welfare services is often required.

Licensure or certification can be required depending on the state.

 

What are the daily duties of a Foster Care Coordinator?

A Foster Care Coordinator typically starts their day by reviewing and updating case files.

They often have meetings with foster families, children, and other social services professionals to monitor the child’s progress and ensure the foster home is safe and supportive.

They may also spend time providing support and resources to foster parents, as well as identifying and recruiting potential new foster parents.

 

What qualities make a good Foster Care Coordinator?

A good Foster Care Coordinator is empathetic, patient, and has excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children, foster families, and other professionals.

They should have good organizational skills to manage multiple cases and strong problem-solving skills to help resolve any issues that arise.

They should also be resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging situations.

 

What should you look for in a Foster Care Coordinator resume?

A Foster Care Coordinator’s resume should demonstrate a strong background in social work, child welfare services, or a related field.

Look for degrees in social work or psychology, as well as any certifications or licenses required by your state.

Practical experience working with children or families, especially in a foster care setting, is very important.

Additionally, any evidence of excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills will be beneficial.

 

What is the most challenging part of being a Foster Care Coordinator?

The most challenging aspect of being a Foster Care Coordinator often involves dealing with difficult emotional situations.

Coordinators frequently work with children who have been through trauma and families undergoing stress.

This requires a high level of emotional resilience.

Additionally, the role can involve a high degree of bureaucracy and paperwork, which can be challenging for some people.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the real essence of being a Foster Care Coordinator.

And here’s the surprise:

It’s not just about navigating the system.

It’s about constructing a bridge to a better future, one child at a time.

With our go-to Foster Care Coordinator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate aid to crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you help is a piece of a much larger puzzle.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Foster Care Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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