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.

What You'll Do

The Foster Home Developer develops and implements a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy and program to recruit new families for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) in accordance with agency standards, licensing and CARF accreditation standards and LIRS (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services) requirements. The mission of the Upbring Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Program is to promote effective resettlement and rapid self-sufficiency for refugees in the state. The program’s vision of effective resettlement is to establish community services and programs that support unaccompanied refugee minors. 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 

• Provide case management services and support to foster care parents and families and URM in accordance with licensing standards, agency, LIRS requirements and CARF accreditation requirements
• Provide recruitment, intake/eligibility process, verification, assessment, approval, placement, and referral services to prospective foster care parents and families and URM
• Provide program training requirements to foster families and program staff. Provide trainings to children as needed
• Monitor foster care homes to ensure homes follow Agency requirements, ORR Policies & Procedures and minimum standards for Child Placing agencies
• Conducts foster home visits as needed to meet program policies and procedures
• Evaluate and monitor the nature, severity, and frequency of risks associated with the URM or placement
• Implements a training strategy & goals to ensure site requirements are met
• Update program training manuals and materials as needed
• Maintains confidentiality in all areas of program operations
• Work evenings and weekends as needed or requested by Program Director
• Participates in meetings as scheduled by the Program Director

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Assist children’s case managers and Program Director with reviewing and screening referrals to ensure URM are appropriate for foster care placement
• Assists in developing trainings to ensure program requirements are being met
• Assist with case managers as needed or director by Program Director
• Collaborates and consults with Supervisor for review and approval prior to implementing any new trainings
• Work closely and develop professional relationships with co-workers, while maintaining ethical boundaries always
• Work closely with the case managers, Program Director, and other service providers to ensure the program services are meeting the needs of the foster care parents, families, and URM and the program goals and objectives are being met
• Must assist in the evacuation of URM as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Interact with URM in the foster care home and outside activities approved by the agency
• Provide ongoing support and case management services to foster care parents and prospective foster families
• Provide trainings to staff and foster parents as needed to meet Agency requirements, ORR Policies and Procedures and Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies
• Provide training to children as needed
• Work closely with management, program staff, case management staff, interdisciplinary teams, and other program service providers to ensure foster care parents and families are aware of the full scope of available program services and resources
• Work as team player, exhibit professionalism (commitment, confidence, responsibility, dependability, honesty, ethics, appearance), and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the agency and is consistent with the organizations 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, or closely related field
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) based on service area and service population
• 1-year relevant experience
• Strong interpersonal and people skills with the ability to work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to write case notes in a clear and concise manner and with no grammatical errors
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to use sound judgement and empathy
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to pay attention to detail and meet deadlines
• Must be able to adapt to change and work evenings & weekends
• Proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field
• Past ORR Foster Program experience

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs.

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 FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING 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.