FOSTER CARE COALITION OF GREATER ST·Brentwood, Missouri
The specialist identifies, locates, and engages safe relatives and kin for youth in foster care to build supportive networks and placement options. They provide intensive short-term services, including diligent searches, family assessments, and support for placement stability.
The Family Search and Engagement Specialist provides intensive, short-term services to identify, locate, notify, and engage safe, appropriate relatives and kin for youth in foster care. Using family search and engagement practices modeled after 30 Days to Family®, this role supports compliance with the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, Senate Bill 683, and applicable Missouri statutes, and contributes to family search and engagement efforts across multiple agency programs.
Family Search and Engagement Specialists provide services across various programs within the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, including Family Connections, Extreme Recruitment®, and Older Youth Readiness. Upon case assignment, the Specialist immediately identifies and engages non-offending parents and grandparents, then conducts a comprehensive search to locate, contact, and assess up to 80 additional maternal and paternal relatives.
The goal is to build a strong network of potential placement options and supportive connections, recognizing that foster care placements can be fragile. Efforts focus on maintaining sibling connections, preserving the youth’s school of origin, and supporting meaningful relationships with friends and other supportive adults.
Once a placement resource is identified, the Specialist supports stability, based on program expectations, by assessing needs, connecting families to resources, addressing barriers, and developing support plans that include both formal and informal supports.
This position requires strong engagement skills, persistence, and the ability to navigate complex family dynamics. Services are delivered flexibly, including occasional evening and weekend hours (approximately 10%).
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Family Engagement and Support
Demonstrates a commitment to core program philosophies:
Youth belong with family.
Family takes care of family.
All families have capable members.
Families are experts on themselves.
Relatives have a right to know family exists.
Everyone has something to contribute.
Collects information from relatives/kin to expand the youth’s support system and identify placement options.
Visits with the youth and family in-home or in the community to address placement stability.
Family Finding and Diligent Search
Identifies and documents a minimum of 80 relatives/kin for each youth.
Conducts diligent search activities: internet/database searches, case file reviews, and interviews.
Documentation and Case Management
Facilitates communication with referring agencies and provides family documentation (e.g., genograms, contact information).
Submits activity notes and billing documentation in accordance with funding requirements.
Maintains accurate client files and records.
Completes assessments at referral and closure to evaluate outcomes.
Licensing and Placement Preparation
Assists in preparing families for licensure.
Provides additional community resources for relative resource providers to ensure placement stability.
Program Compliance and Court Involvement
Assists case managers and court officials with compliance (Fostering Connections to Success Act, Missouri statutes, and policies).
Participates in court hearings, internal/external meetings, and professional consultations.
Data Management and Reporting
Uses software to track program outcomes (e.g., Salesforce, Genopro).
Completes billing sheets and daily activity logs accurately and on time.
Team Collaboration and Professional Development
Responds to supervision, coaching, and feedback.
Works effectively in a team setting.
Participates in training and development.
Candidates must possess strong engagement skills and the ability to navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining professionalism. The role requires the ability to travel across several Missouri counties and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Market context
Administration roles in Missouri often draw steady demand in healthcare and education settings because organizations need staff who can manage records, coordination, and compliance. These roles are competitive when candidates bring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, clinical research background, and skills in data analysis and protocol management. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, and confirm you can obtain Basic Life Support certification within one month of hire before applying.