Resource Foster Parent

Benefits:

• Company car
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

Position Purpose


This position is a live-in Resource (Foster) Parent at a foster care level community home for youth who are victims and survivors of human trafficking, specifically commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The organization Present Help in the Time of Trouble Refuge, Inc. (Present Help), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment for women, children, and individuals facing various challenges has contracted with the City of Philadelphia, to provide these community home placement and supportive services for CSEC youth for the City.

Job Summary
In this vital role as a live-in Resource (Foster) Parent, the individual is expected to live at the foster home and be responsible for the daily operation of the community home and the general well-being of up to four CSEC youth and their care. The individual will establish a consistent daily routine to help create a sense of normalcy and predictability, which can be comforting for children who have experienced instability and may have special needs. The individual will be responsible for developing a trusting relationship with the youth, provide emotional care and support to help the youth process their trauma, work closely with social workers, therapists, and other professionals involved in youth care. The individual will facilitate access and transportation to necessary health care services, including physical, mental, and behavioral health care and ensure that youth have access to education. The individual will set clear rules and expectations and maintain the confidentiality of the youth history and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, nurturing and stable home environment for children placed in your care.
• Develop trusting relationships with children to help them feel secure and valued.
• Maintain a trauma- informed atmosphere that recognizes and responds to the youths needs.
• Meet the basic needs by preparing and providing daily meals.
• Ensure youth have appropriate clothing and clothed properly each day.
• Maintain a clean and working community home
• Take youth to all appointments and transport when necessary.
• Handle personal hygiene needs, routines, and school attendance for youth.
• Monitor weekly group meetings.
• Offer emotional care and support to help the youth process their trauma.
• Help the youth cope with grief, depression, PTSD, and adjustment issues related to being removed from their birth family.
• Help the youth build and maintain healthy relationships with peers and adults, fostering social skills and positive interactions.
• Be aware of and sensitive to youth cultural background and experiences important for youth identity and healing process.
• Collaborate and work closely with social workers, therapists, and other professionals involved in youth care.
• Participate in case meetings and share observations about the youth's progress and needs.
• Facilitate access and transportation to necessary health care services, including physical, mental, and behavioral health care.
• Ensure youth have regular medical checkups, medical and dental appointments, therapy sessions, and medication management.
• Ensure the youth have access to education, whether through traditional schooling or alternative educational programs.
• Support the youth academic needs and advocate for any special services they may require.
• Set clear rules and expectations and use positive reinforcements.
• Manage challenging behaviors.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the youth's history and experiences
• Treat the youth with dignity and respect and ensure the youth privacy is protected.
• Engage in ongoing training to stay informed about the dynamics of human trafficking, trauma- informed care, and best practices for supporting affected children.

Educational Background:


A high school diploma or GED.

Experience
Ideal candidates will possess experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Working with children in various capacities (childcare, education, etc.).
• Crisis management techniques to handle challenging situations effectively.
• Exposure working with the LGBTQ individuals.
• Relative experience working with foster or community homes, child care services, or youth services.