Home Study Specialist

About Extra Special Parents:

At Extra Special Parents (ESP), we believe every child deserves a safe home and a nurturing adult they can trust. Since our inception in 2006, our mission has been to support Virginia's foster children and families. Our network has grown to over 150 licensed active foster and adoptive families. Together, the foster parents in our community have significantly impacted the lives of countless foster children across the Commonwealth.

About the Home Study Specialist:

The Home Study Specialist supports Extra Special Parents in the licensure of foster parent candidates by being responsible for licensing all foster parent applicants in accordance with the Virginia State Licensing Standards for licensed child-placing agencies.

This is a part-time position that requires about 20 hours per week of commitment. 

Benefits for the Home Study Specialist:

• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Use of company vehicles or Mileage Reimbursement
• 401K Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a directly related Human Service field degree from an accredited college is required.
• At least 2 years of case management experience are required.
• At least one year of experience with home study development is preferred.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize the CRM to document calls, emails, and tasks associated with potential foster families.
• Contact with the family needs to occur within 24 hours of assignment. This should include a plan/schedule to set up all 3 visits. All home study visits must occur within 30 days of the assignment.
• Conduct thorough assessments and inspections of all potential homes.
• Communicates orally and in writing with the Lead and Director regarding areas of concern or potential problems.
• When conducting business, abide by the transportation minimum driver guidelines of the company. Ensures the safety of children through the proper use of car seats and seat belts, and following all traffic laws.
• Attends program meetings, including but not limited to weekly team meetings, department team meetings, and any others as required, once per month.
• Report any ethical and legal violations to the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of the Therapeutic Community model.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care.
• Knowledge of transportation and child safety-seat laws.
• Ability to observe, assess, and document symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, objectives, and standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain and establish records and files.
• Ability to work with a variety of behaviors.
• Ability to perform appropriate crisis intervention,
• Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA requirements.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• Must possess a driver's license valid in the state where the work site is located, as the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to complete pre-service and annual in-service CPR and all other training required at licensing standards, company policy and procedures, and locality