Job Title: Foster WV Coordinator

FLSA Status: Part-time Hourly / Non-exempt (up to 20 hrs. per week)

Reports To: Community Life Pastor 

One sentence Summary: To coordinate all aspects of The Ridge’s foster care ministry under the direction and support of the Community Life Pastor. 

Summary: The Foster WV Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of The Ridge’s foster care ministry under the direction and support of the Community Life Pastor. This will be done by supporting the current foster, adoptive, and kinship families in our church, raising awareness of the ongoing foster crisis in WV and recruiting new families to step into the world of foster care, and building relationships with local foster agencies and other ministries in the foster care world.

• Engage in the Life of The Ridge: Gather, connect, serve, give, and invite others to be part of the Ridge community and its mission.

• Act as an Ambassador for The Ridge: Positively reflect and promote the vision, mission, strategy, and values of The Ridge to both internal and external audiences.

• Raise Awareness: Raise awareness about the foster care crisis in West Virginia; both in the church and in the community.

• Provide Support: Provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for existing foster, adoptive, and kinship families through prayer, resources, volunteers, events, Foster Family Days, “touches”, and groups.

• Recruit, Train, and Develop Volunteers: Identify, recruit, train, and coordinate the Foster WV volunteers who provide support to foster, adaptive, and kinship families. 

• Recruit New Families: Recruit new foster families from within the church. 

• Coordinate all aspects of The Ridge’s comprehensive foster care ministry, including but not limited to:

• Collaborate on Ministry Planning: Partner with the Community Life Pastor to create the yearly ministry plan and budget, then steward these resources wisely and effectively.

• Build Community Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with local foster care agencies and Chestnut Mountain Ranch

• Actively Learn: Continue to grow by actively learning best practices from other church-based foster care ministries around the country. 

• Coach Others: As opportunities arise, be available to advise and coach other churches in West Virginia who are taking steps to implement the Foster WV ministry plan in their church as the  

• Participate in Staff Development: Engage in staff and leadership development meetings/forums, including weekly staff meetings and doctrinal training times.

• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications:

• A growing and active relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced through attitude, behavior, speech, and lifestyle.

• Agreement with The Ridge’s beliefs, values, and ministry approach.

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.

• Experience in social work, foster care, adoption services, or related fields preferred. 

• Proven ability to build teams, lead others, and develop effective systems.

• A collaborative team player who works well across departments and within the organizational structure.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Highly organized with strong planning and administrative skills; comfortable using common technology and communication tools.

• Discreet and trustworthy, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.

Competencies:

• Organization – Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time. Follows policies and procedures. Supports organization’s goals and values.

• Communication – Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form and verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

• Planning – Accepts criticism and feedback. Adapts to changes in the work environment. Changes approach and method to best fit the situation. Manages competing demands.

• Continuous Learning – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses. Pursues training and development opportunities. Seeks feedback to improve performance. Shares expertise with others. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Part-time Hourly/Non-exempt
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran