Intake Counselor, Foster Care and Group Care - Homes

Scope of Position: To help children and families experience healing and restoration through the Gospel by providing trauma-informed services and administrative processes for all intake inquiries for Foster Care and Group Care programs, while leading the collective team processes for placement into both programs, and assisting families with other referral services if placement is unable to occur.  

Reports to: Director, Group Care - Homes 

WinShape Foundation is a Biblically-based Christian non-profit organization that seeks to glorify God by creating transformational, Christ-centered experiences for people in every stage of life. We do this through five core ministries that each use scriptural truth to offer summer camp, foster care, team and leader development, college student discipleship, and marriage enrichment. To view our full Statement of Faith, click here. 

• Acts as first contact and professional, supportive representative for all referrals to WinShape Homes Group Care and Foster Care programs  
• Corresponds quickly and professionally with Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) professionals, foster parents, house parents, birth families and other collaterals in the placement process 
• Understands and becomes proficient in the DFCS referral process  
• Logs and tracks all referrals for placement in relevant systems 
• Visits with families and reviews family information to ensure an understanding of appropriate placement matching 
• Coordinates the placement process with DFCS, families and Group and Foster Care Teams, to include facilitating multiple placement meetings with various team members 
• Completes all intake paperwork, including Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applications as necessary, and inputs data into the appropriate data system within the required timeframes 
• Assesses preliminary appropriateness of placement in consultation with Directors, Foster Care or Group Care staff and Clinical Staff 
• Conducts clinical assessments of individuals and families inquiring about Group Care placement while providing a trauma-informed therapeutic approach to all interactions and interviews 
• Provides support to families in crisis and seeks to assist families in navigating the steps needed to complete the intake process or follow up on other referral options 
• Manages inquiry and intake pipeline and provides team with regular updates and ensures routine follow up if the intake process is delayed 
• Partners with Strategic Partnerships and other members of the Homes team to assist in awareness activities for DFCS and private placements; effectively promotes the value of the program and availability of open beds  
• Attends Foster Care, Group Care, Homes, and Foundation meetings, events, trainings, and retreats as assigned 
• Ability to adapt to changing day-to-day realities of Foster Care and Group Care intake processes 
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned 

Spiritual: 

• A self-professing Christ follower, actively involved in a Christian faith community and actively pursuing Christ on a consistent basis 
• Committed to discipleship, prayer, and Bible study 
• Servant leadership as modeled by Jesus Christ 

Education: 

• Holds a Master’s degree in a human services-related field 
• Body of clinical knowledge and skills related to the responsibilities of the position, especially in the field of foster care, trauma, and attachment 

Professional: 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a related setting 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) 
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently while being team-oriented 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record 
• Must be willing to travel to various locations throughout Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Occasional overnight travel may be required.  
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously 

Preferred: 

• Holds a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field from a university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or similar entity 
• Foster Care/Group Care setting experience 
• Familiarity and experiential knowledge of management information systems such as GA+SCORE (family/case management and referral tracking), GA SHINES (case management), and Extended Reach (intake documentation and case records).