Foster Parent Engagement Coordinator / 61012182

**Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community?** Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults? Then the **South Carolina Department of Social Services** has the right job opportunity for you. **Job Duties:** - The Foster Parent Engagement Coordinator administers and supports statewide activities that enhance foster parent engagement, communication, and retention. This position provides program coordination, guidance, and technical assistance to ensure consistent caregiver support practices across regions. The role ensures alignment with agency policies, state regulations, and program objectives to strengthen partnerships with foster parents and improve outcomes for children in care by promoting adherence to DSS policies and procedures, agency mission, and the GPS Practice Model. - Leads statewide efforts to strengthen foster parent engagement, satisfaction, recruitment and retention. - Coordinates communication, resources and support between foster parents, regional offices, and agency leadership. Responds timely and professionally to constituent inquiries through telephone calls, emails and/or texts. Logs all contacts and outcomes in established tracking system. - Facilitates listening sessions, advisory groups, and outreach activities such as surveys and newsletters, to gather feedback and improve services. - Collaborates with SD&T to support the development and delivery of training and engagement materials for foster parents and staff. - Monitors engagement data such as foster parent helpline by phone and email, prepare reports, and recommend improvements based on trends and feedback. - Facilitates and/or participates in various types of Child and Family Team Meetings to assist with problem solving complex foster parent concerns. - Serves as a member of Foster Care Oversight Committee. Attends meetings and provides input regarding challenges faced by foster parents in regard to children’s wellbeing and health. - Ensuresalignment with state policies, licensing standards, and best practices. - Maintains an active routine of self-care and pursues support when necessary to minimize the threat of secondary trauma to physical and mental health. Understands the impact of trauma on families and secondary trauma on child welfare staff and applies principles to support families and staff. - Performs other related duties as required. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Science or Human Services. Bachelor's Degree and three (3) years of professional experience in social services programs, correctional, education, business administration, general administrative management, or relevant program experience. This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. **A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application.** If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers. Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Individuals must comply with necessary field work assignments. If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer. **The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:** - Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children - 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year - 15 days sick…