Foster Care Specialist Nebraska Neurobehavioral Services (NNBS) Position Summary
Nebraska Neurobehavioral Services (NNBS) is seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Foster Care Specialist to support the agency’s mission of providing trauma informed, family centered, and evidence based services to children and youth involved in the foster care system. The Foster Care Specialist is responsible for the recruitment, licensing, training, support, and ongoing monitoring of foster, kinship, and relative caregivers in accordance with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations and NNBS policies and procedures.
This position works collaboratively with internal clinical teams, case managers, schools, probation officers, guardian ad litems, medical providers, and state partners to ensure children receive safe, stable, and supportive placements that promote permanency and long term success. The Foster Care Specialist must demonstrate professionalism, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively during crisis situations.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFoster Parent Recruitment & Retention
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract qualified foster, kinship, and relative caregivers
- Conduct community outreach, informational meetings, presentations, and recruitment initiatives to increase foster home capacity
- Build and maintain positive relationships with prospective and licensed foster parents throughout the licensing process
- Maintain a pipeline of interested applicants and monitor progress through the licensing process to ensure timely completion
- Promote foster parent retention through ongoing support, engagement, education, and appreciation initiatives
- Assist with placement matching to support placement stability and continuity of care
Licensing & Home Studies
- Guide applicants through the Nebraska foster care licensing process in compliance with Title 395 NAC 6 and applicable state regulations
- Conduct home studies, interviews, safety inspections, background checks, and reference verifications
- Ensure foster homes remain compliant with all licensing standards, annual renewals, training requirements, and documentation expectations
- Coordinate and monitor completion of pre service and ongoing caregiver training requirements
- Maintain organized, accurate, and audit ready licensing files in accordance with NNBS and DHHS standards
Foster Home Support & Case Coordination
- Provide ongoing support, consultation, coaching, advocacy, and crisis intervention to foster families
- Conduct regular home visits to assess placement stability, child safety, caregiver needs, and overall home functioning
- Assist caregivers with behavioral management strategies, conflict resolution, and resource coordination
- Collaborate with therapists, BCBAs, case managers, schools, probation officers, medical providers, and community agencies to ensure coordinated care
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, staffing meetings, and case planning discussions
- Support permanency planning efforts including reunification, guardianship, adoption, and transition planning when appropriate
- Maintain professional relationships with caregivers while ensuring adherence to agency expectations and child welfare standards
On Call Responsibilities
- Participate in an on call rotation to provide after hours support, crisis response, and guidance to foster families as needed
- Respond promptly to placement disruptions, behavioral crises, emergencies, hospitalizations, and critical incidents involving children or foster homes
- Coordinate with supervisors, clinical staff, DHHS workers, law enforcement, hospitals, and community providers during urgent situations
- Provide timely documentation and follow up regarding all after hours incidents, interventions, and crisis responses
- Maintain professionalism, effective communication, and sound judgment during high stress situations while prioritizing the safety and well being of children and caregivers
Compliance, Documentation & Quality Assurance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and audit ready documentation in compliance with NNBS policies and DHHS requirements
- Complete case notes, licensing reports, incident documentation, home visit records, and compliance tracking within required timeframes
- Participate in internal quality assurance reviews, licensing audits, and corrective action planning when necessary
- Monitor foster home compliance to reduce licensing deficiencies and improve service quality
- Report incidents, safety concerns, and compliance issues to appropriate parties in a timely and professional manner
- Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, agency standards, and ethical guidelines
Additional Duties
- Attend required agency meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities
- Assist with agency initiatives, program development, and special projects as assigned
- Support agency operations and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes for children and families
- Perform other duties as assigned by agency leadership
QualificationsEducation & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or related field required
- Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of two years of experience in foster care, child welfare, licensing, behavioral health, or family support services preferred
- Strong knowledge of Nebraska foster care regulations, trauma informed care, and child welfare practices preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills with diverse populations
- Ability to effectively manage multiple cases, priorities, deadlines, and crisis situations
- Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail
- Excellent problem solving, conflict resolution, and critical thinking abilities
- Ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic health records, and case management systems
Additional Requirements
- Must successfully pass criminal background checks and Central Registry clearances
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance required
- Ability to travel locally for home visits, meetings, trainings, and placement support
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on call shifts as required
- Must maintain all required training, certifications, and ongoing licensing compliance standards
About NNBS
Nebraska Neurobehavioral Services (NNBS) is a licensed behavioral health and foster care agency dedicated to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families with developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs. NNBS is committed to trauma informed care, evidence based practices, family engagement, and strong collaboration with community and state partners. Our mission is to promote safety, stability, permanency, and long term success for the individuals and families we serve.
NNBS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professional work environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Pay: $19.00 - $22.50 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience licensing foster homes?
Experience:
- Child welfare: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Omaha, NE 68134
