PRN Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialist

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit Program Overview: Youth Villages’ Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for the best interests of each youth. The program serves children and adolescents (ages 0 to18) who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and may have behavioral and mental health needs. Our parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments – all while working diligently to achieve family reunification whenever possible or finding permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from highly trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialist: Increases the number of certified foster homes in accordance with Tennessee's state growth plan Conducts home studies on prospective treatment parent applicants and submits findings to the certification committee for approval Completes or assists with interviews and screening of prospective treatment parent applicants Presents preservice trainings for prospective treatment parent applicants and in-service trainings to certified treatment foster parents Maintains records on prospective treatment parent applicants (e.g., application forms and verifications) and data on certified treatment foster parents (e.g., class participation, trends, and demographics) Remains compliant with first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certifications (FA/CPR) and conducts trainings for prospective treatment foster parents Works collaboratively and assists other Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialists to reach regional and statewide certification goals Attends weekly, monthly, and annual training and placement meetings Demonstrates leadership by supporting and accompanying new Foster Parent Training and Certification Specialists at outside activities Travels to assigned regions for coverage and trainings as needed Assists with special projects, recruitment events, and engagement tasks as needed Performs other duties as assigned Additional Information: Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served. Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage. Salary: $20 - $22 per hour based on education and clinical license Qualifications: Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred) Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (required) Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review) Experience with direct casework (preferred) Experience with training (preferred) Experience in foster care training (plus) Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule Youth Villages Benefits Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision 401(k) Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time) 12 paid sick days per year 11 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable) Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision Growth & development through continuous training Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities *Benefits are excluded for variable status employees. Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.