Therapeutic Support Specialist

Foster Village Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides holistic wraparound support to children and caregivers involved in the child welfare system. We equip families with basic necessities, connect them with ongoing therapeutic support, and advocate for community engagement to bridge the gaps in child welfare.

Our small, close-knit team is made up of Child Development and Social Work professionals and former/current foster parents who are trained in trauma-informed care. We strive to be an inviting support system and safe space for those caring for children from hard places.

The primary role of the Therapeutic Support Specialist includes overseeing and coordinating trauma-informed support services to caregivers of children in the child welfare system. We are seeking a warm, friendly, supportive individual to equip caregivers with the tools needed to help children heal from trauma.

Ideal candidate:

• Background in child development, social work, or counseling
• Certified TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner
• Has training and/or basic knowledge of other trauma-informed disciplines, including but not limited to the work of Dr. Bruce Perry and Dr. Dan Siegel
• Has experience supporting parents and children with trauma history
• Has an understanding of the Texas child welfare system (work experience in child welfare is preferred)
• Has knowledge of resources and services available to vulnerable families in the Austin area
• Bilingual is a plus

Job Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Prepare, complete, and document ongoing communications and home visits for at least 10 families each month.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of family progress, interventions, and outcomes, and reports as needed to demonstrate program efficacy.
• Skill Building: Teach children and their families skills for emotional regulation, stress management, communication, and conflict resolution, taking into account the effects of trauma on skill development.
• Ongoing Support: Offer continual support, guidance, and encouragement to family members as they implement trauma-informed approaches to behavior management. Strengthen existing caregiver support services alongside Foster Village staff.
• Enriched Support: Plan, facilitate, and lead trauma-informed events such as Parents’ Night Out and family camp throughout the year.
• Assessment: Conduct ongoing comprehensive assessments of children and families’ behavioral and emotional needs.
• Treatment Planning: Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each child and family, considering trauma-informed principles and evidence-based practice.
• Behavioral Intervention: Implement trauma-informed behavioral interventions aimed at addressing maladaptive behaviors, and promoting positive coping skills and adaptive functioning for both the children and caregivers.
• Crisis Intervention: Provide crisis intervention and support during times of heightened distress or escalation, utilizing trauma-informed techniques to de-escalate situations and ensure safety.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of children and families who have experienced trauma within various systems, including schools, healthcare, and social service agencies.
• Continuing Education: Stay up-to-date on the latest research, best practices, and developments in trauma-informed care and behavior management through ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Daily Operations: Regularly help with general operations at one of the resource centers.

Expectations:

• Develop, support, and promote the Foster Village mission and goals.
• Maintain timely communication with those we serve, community partners, and team members.
• Cultivate relationships toward engaged and informed stakeholders of the Foster Village mission,
• Have a basic knowledge of the Texas child welfare system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with widely diverse groups, including individuals at all levels both within and outside the organization and gain their cooperation
• Be able to work outside normal working hours like nights and occasional weekends.