Foster Parent

Job Description

Foster Parent

Organization: Rise Youth & Adolescent Services

Program: Parent Model Foster Care Program

Reports To: Foster Care Supervisor / Program Manager

Location: Approved Foster Home

Position Summary

Foster Parents in the Parent Model Foster Care Program provide full-time, family-based care to children and youth placed through licensed placing agencies. Foster Parents create a structured, nurturing, trauma-informed home environment that promotes healing, safety, identity development, permanency planning, and overall well-being.

Foster Parents are active members of the child's professional care team and are expected to work collaboratively with Rise Youth & Adolescent Services, Children's Aid Societies, schools, healthcare providers, and community service partners.

This role reflects the standards outlined under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and applicable Ontario Regulations governing foster care.

Core Responsibilities

1. Safe & Nurturing Home Environment

• Provide 24-hour supervision and care
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-maintained residence that meets licensing standards
• Ensure children's physical needs are consistently met (nutrition, clothing, hygiene, rest)
• Promote emotional security, predictability, and stability

2. Trauma-Informed Care Implementation

• Understand the impact of trauma on brain development and behaviour
• Respond to behaviours as communication of unmet needs
• Avoid re-traumatization
• Use de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies
• Model calm, attuned caregiving

Foster Parents must demonstrate sensitivity to complex trauma, attachment disruptions, and grief/loss experiences.

3. Attachment-Based & Relationship-Focused Parenting

• Build trust through consistency and emotional availability
• Support secure attachment formation
• Encourage healthy boundaries and relational skills
• Promote positive identity development

4. Cultural Safety & Identity Development

• Respect and support the child's cultural, racial, religious, linguistic, and gender identity
• Promote connections to community, traditions, and extended supports
• Participate in culturally relevant programming
• Support Indigenous children in maintaining connections to community and culture where applicable

5. Behavioural & Emotional Support

• Use strengths-based, developmentally appropriate behaviour strategies
• Implement individualized care plans
• Apply positive behaviour supports
• Never use corporal punishment or prohibited disciplinary methods
• Report serious occurrences in accordance with agency policy

6. Health & Medication Management

• Ensure attendance at medical, dental, and mental health appointments
• Safely store and administer medications as authorized
• Maintain accurate medication logs
• Monitor physical and emotional well-being

7. Education & Skill Development

• Support school attendance and academic engagement
• Advocate for educational accommodations
• Promote life skills and independence (budgeting, hygiene, time management)

8. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily logs and required documentation
• Participate in case conferences and plan of care meetings
• Immediately report serious incidents
• Maintain confidentiality

9. Collaboration & Professional Accountability

• Work cooperatively with placing agencies and service providers
• Participate in mandatory training and supervision
• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning
• Comply with all Rise Youth & Adolescent Services policies

Competency Framework

Foster Parents in the Parent Model Foster Care Program are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Trauma-Informed Competency

• Recognizes trauma triggers
• Uses co-regulation strategies
• Maintains emotional composure during crises
• Practices non-punitive responses

2. Cultural Humility & Equity Competency

• Demonstrates openness and respect for diverse identities
• Reflects on personal biases
• Advocates against discrimination
• Promotes inclusion within the home

3. Attachment & Development Competency

• Understands developmental milestones
• Supports secure attachment behaviours
• Responds sensitively to regression or emotional dysregulation

4. Behavioural Intervention Competency

• Uses prevention-based approaches
• Applies de-escalation techniques
• Documents behaviour patterns
• Seeks supervisory guidance appropriately

5. Communication & Collaboration Competency

• Communicates clearly with professionals
• Participates meaningfully in meetings
• Maintains professionalism
• Shares relevant updates promptly

6. Documentation & Compliance Competency

• Maintains accurate logs
• Follows medication protocols
• Understands serious occurrence reporting requirements
• Complies with licensing standards

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 25 years of age
• Approved home through foster home study process
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Valid First Aid & CPR Certification
• Completion of mandatory foster parent training
• Demonstrated emotional stability and caregiving capacity
• Ability to provide full-time care

Compensation

Foster Parents receive a per diem rate consistent with agency rate schedules and funding agreements. The per diem supports the cost of care and recognizes the responsibilities associated with providing full-time foster care services.

Values Alignment

Foster Parents must align with the mission of Rise Youth & Adolescent Services:

To create a home environment that safeguards and celebrates the beauty, dignity, and potential of every child.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $400.00 per day

Work Location: In person