About Upbring  

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.  

About our Foster in Texas (FIT) Program 

Upbring Foster In Texas is one of the largest providers of foster care and adoption services in Texas with 13 offices across the state. In 2021 we served 1,176 children, verified 140 new families, and connected 113 children with loving adoptive families. The Upbring heroes on our foster care team connect children with families who provide compassion, safety and support, and when needed, loving forever families.   

What You'll Do 

The Regional Intake Specialist is responsible for researching, prospecting, and cultivating a network of foster care parents and community partners to aid in the placement and/or adoption of foster care children in the Foster in Texas (FIT) program.  The Regional Intake Specialist is responsible for recruiting efforts in their assigned region and/or assigned recruiting area. Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Welfare

Work Standards 

• Review and assess initial intake information to effectively respond to prospective parents and families
• Manage the intake process from initial contact to placement; follow-up as needed
• Participate in recruiting efforts to ensure an adequate pool of certified homes are available to meet diverse needs or emergency placement of foster children
• Participate in the evaluation and assessment of applicant foster parents, families, and homes by reviewing applications, references, medical and background clearances, and other placement and licensing requirements
• Complete and review home studies
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Communication  

• Review all submitted paperwork and ensure all intake paperwork has been received and has been properly signed and/or notarized
• Respond to inquiries from prospective parents, partner agencies, and internal staff about the intake process, eligibility requirements, and placement and post-placement process
• Record and maintain information and statistics necessary to measure the effectiveness of recruitment efforts
• Mail application packets to prospective families when needed
• Maintain records and reports in accordance with Agency, regulatory, and licensing standards; ensure all documentation well written and concise and has been completed and submitted in the appropriate format (spreadsheets, database)

We Are Servants| We Help Others

Teamwork

• Assist management staff with the development, management, and evaluation of recruitment and marketing plans, materials, and campaigns that recruit foster parents
• Assist with the coordination and scheduling of new foster parent orientation; communicate schedule with new foster parents
• Assist the staff with matching certified foster parents/families with children in need of placement; initiate specialized recruitment efforts to meet unusual needs for a specific child
• Assist staff with identifying and creating partnerships with other community agencies; establish and maintain relationships to aid in collaboration of recruitment and placement effort
• Cross train and provide back-up support to other staff as it relates to the recruitment and intake process

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Gather information from research and referral agencies to identify potential foster care parents and determine eligibility and potential match
• Research, identify, and cultivate an active network of foster parents
• Provide technical support for foster parents using online applications and resources; assist foster parents with the application process and completion
• Provide prospective parents and families with appropriate resources and referrals in a timely manner
• Participate in training for new foster parents and families
• Participate in collaborate efforts and activities with the Foster Care and Adoption teams, community, and partner agencies to ensure all foster care children, parents, and families are receiving the quality of services needed to meet their needs
• Develop and maintain positive and strong working relationships with the Foster Care and Adoption teams and foster care parents and families, while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries always
• Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Social Services, or closely related field
• 1-year relevant experience in foster care, child welfare, or adoption (or six months’ experience if a current Upbring employee)
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and prioritize competing tasks/projects
• Strong customer service skills; respond to telephone and in-person inquiries in a pleasant and professional manner
• Ability to work independently and within a group
• Demonstrate ability to effectively resolve conflict, de-escalate situations, and problem solve
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and work with diverse groups of people
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Social Services, or closely related field
• Child Placement Management Staff (CPMS)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works with children and families and has constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best to fulfill our mission to break the cycle of child abuse. 

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.

Keywords: recruiter, foster care, intake specialist, social servies, social work, child placement