The Professional Foster Parent is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a healthy, positive, long-term living environment so that the children entrusted to their care may become healthy, productive adults.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide a healthy, clean, safe and secure home environment for the children.
- Develop, in conjunction with the child's case manager and other key team members, and implement individual progress plans.
- Ensure that the children receive proper medical, dental and emotional care.
- Administer prescribed medications as needed, and document all such interactions. Complete all required documentation related to medical incidents/reports, and medication management as required by the Agency and DCFS.
- Ensure the educational growth of their children. A pro-active attitude and response is required which requires: active participation in the school; setting expectations for attendance and performance; active participation in homework and enrichment programs; advocating for children’s needs; willingness to serve as a surrogate parent for special education needs.
- Ensure the child's participation in mental health services as required.
- Act as primary advocate for the children in your care, including attending court visits, Administrative Case Reviews, and related conferences as required.
- Maintain timely and accurate records such as household budget, children's progress records, health records and periodic evaluations.
- Maintain household budgets at or below designated levels for all budgeted line items.
- Participate in on-going training and maintaining current certifications such as first aid and CPR, TCI, Med. Administration, etc.
- Transporting children as needed, i.e., sibling visits, doctor visits, therapy groups, etc.
- Represent SOS Illinois in a professional manner to the public and guests.
- Comply with all SOS Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.
- Participate in Monthly Supervision with Director of Program and Services.
- Participate in all SOS Illinois trainings, including QI initiatives
- Maintain communication streams by ensuring emails are read on a daily basis, the provided cell phone is charged and readily available during assigned shift, and voicemail is checked.
- Other tasks as assigned.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Attend general agency staff meetings, in-service education/training, individual supervision, and other meetings as directed by the Village Director or Supervisor.
- To maintain an attitude of respect and understanding toward the parents of the child because these people are important to the child.
Successful Foster Parents must meet the following minimum criteria in order to move forward in the application process.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clear driving record
- DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) background clearance
- DCFS medical clearance
- Must be at least 25 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- If applicable, must adhere to the policy of bringing only one biological or adopted child (12 and under) into the Village home
- Must be willing to move to any one of our three Villages (Lockport Village, Chicago Village, and Roosevelt Square Village)
- Must be willing to commit to three years or more of service as a full-time, live-in professional Foster Parent
- Must be willing and able to work in a drug, tobacco, alcohol, and firearm free environment.
- Valid Illinois driver’s license with acceptable driving record and proof of automobile insurance coverage.
Background and Skills
SOS Illinois is looking for nurturing individuals, domestic partners, or married couples interested in devoting their lives to the profession of Foster Parent, who are:
- Experienced with children, either as parents or by working with children in another environment
- Adept at supporting the needs of behaviorally complex children with a history of mental, emotional, or physical trauma
- Able to discipline fairly and willing to learn behavior-management skills
- Skilled in managing a household and a budget
- Self-sufficient thinkers with a collaborative spirit and positive outlook on life
Email resume to virizarry02@iwe.staugustine.edu to apply
Include the title of this listing in your email