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Foster Parent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gandara

Foster Parent

Springfield, MA · On-site

Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives. Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, in ...

Gándara Center

Foster Parent

Springfield, MA · On-site

Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives. Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, in ...

Kairos

Treatment Foster Parent

Medford, OR · On-site

$3.4K/mo

Treatment Foster Parents are considered "professional parents" because they provide skills training, school advocacy, homework supervision, and care team input. Each youth has a service plan ...

Kairos

Treatment Foster Parent

Medford, OR · On-site

$3.4K/mo

Kairos' Treatment Foster Parents are trained to provide a high level of structure and supervision within their home to create a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment. Treatment Foster Parents are ...

Boystown

Foster Parents

Grand Island, NE · On-site

If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Your support can make a significant difference in a child's life. We aim to find loving and supportive ...

Boys Town

Foster Parents

Grand Island, NE · On-site

If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Your support can make a significant difference in a child's life. We aim to find loving and supportive ...

Boystown

Foster Parents

Kearney, NE

If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Your support can make a significant difference in a child's life. We aim to find loving and supportive ...

Clarvida - Oregon

Foster Parent Mentor

Salem, OR · On-site

$19.23/hr

As a Foster/Resource Parent Mentor you will provide direct support, training, and assisting parents and caregivers in navigating systems of care for youth in their home. Developing structured and ...

Clarvida - Oregon

Foster Parent Mentor

Albany, OR

$19.23/hr

As a Foster/Resource Parent Mentor you will provide direct support, training, and assisting parents and caregivers in navigating systems of care for youth in their home. Developing structured and ...

Clarvida - Oregon

Foster Parent Mentor

Salem, OR · On-site

$19.23/hr

As a Foster/Resource Parent Mentor you will provide direct support, training, and assisting parents and caregivers in navigating systems of care for youth in their home. Developing structured and ...

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Foster Parent information

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$8

$21

$45

How much do foster parent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for foster parent in the United States is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are foster parents?

Foster parents are individuals or families who provide temporary care and a safe, nurturing home for children who cannot live with their birth families due to abuse, neglect, or other family crises. They work with child welfare agencies to support the child’s well-being, help them through difficult transitions, and sometimes assist in reunification with the biological family or adoption. Foster parents play a crucial role in offering stability, emotional support, and guidance during a challenging period in a child's life.

What Does a Foster Parent Do?

A Foster Parent is an adult who is certified by the state to provide children with a temporary home and family until they can be safely reunited with their biological family or another safe, permanent home is found for them. Foster Parents must be ready to accept the placement of children at any time. Children who are placed in the care of Foster Parents typically come from less-than-ideal situations, so Foster Parents are instrumental in showing children in foster care stability, while helping them heal and putting the best interests of the children first. Requirements and duties vary by state, but most Foster Parents are asked to support the goal of the foster care system, which is the reunification of the foster child with their biological family. As such, Foster Parents may be asked to facilitate family visitations or attend court appearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foster Parent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foster Parent, you need a genuine commitment to child welfare, an understanding of child development, and completion of state-mandated training and licensing requirements. Familiarity with case management systems and the ability to follow legal and agency protocols are typically necessary. Patience, resilience, and strong communication are critical soft skills for building trust and supporting children through challenging transitions. These skills are essential to provide a stable, nurturing environment and collaborate effectively with professionals to support children's well-being.

Can a foster parent have a job?

Yes, foster parents can have jobs while caring for foster children. However, they must ensure their employment schedule and commitments do not interfere with their caregiving responsibilities and compliance with foster care requirements. Some agencies may require background checks and training that can be scheduled around work hours.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Foster parenting can sometimes pay around $4,000 a week, especially for specialized or emergency foster care roles that offer stipends or per diem rates. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial truck driving, sales positions, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which often require certifications or apprenticeships. These roles typically involve hands-on skills, experience, or licensing rather than formal college degrees.

What type of fostering pays the most?

In foster care, specialized foster placements such as therapeutic or clinical foster care often offer higher stipends due to the additional training and skills required. These roles typically involve caring for children with complex emotional or behavioral needs and may provide higher compensation compared to standard foster placements.

Where do foster parents get paid the most?

Foster parents' compensation varies by state and agency, with some states offering higher stipends to cover the costs of caring for foster children. Generally, states with higher living costs tend to provide higher payments, but foster parent pay is often intended to offset expenses rather than serve as a primary income source. Payments are typically determined by state regulations and may include additional stipends for specialized training or care needs.

What kind of ongoing support can foster parents expect from agencies after a child is placed in their care?

Foster parents typically receive ongoing support from their agency, including regular check-ins from caseworkers, access to training, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many agencies also provide support groups, respite care, and guidance on navigating challenges such as behavioral issues or education needs. These resources help foster parents feel supported and prepared, ensuring the best possible environment for the child.

What is the difference between Foster Parent vs Foster Care Case Manager?

AspectFoster ParentFoster Care Case Manager
Required CredentialsBackground check, training, sometimes certificationSocial work degree, licensing, training
Work EnvironmentHome-based, caring for foster childrenOffice and fieldwork, coordinating care
Employer & Industry UsageChild welfare agencies, foster care programsChild welfare agencies, social service organizations

Foster parents provide direct care and a temporary home for foster children, while foster care case managers coordinate services, monitor progress, and support both children and foster families. Both roles are essential in the foster care system but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

More about Foster Parent jobs
What cities are hiring for Foster Parent jobs? Cities with the most Foster Parent job openings:
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Foster Parent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foster Parent job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,167 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Foster Parent

Gandara

Springfield, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose and Objective:
The purpose and objective of a foster parent is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children feel secure, cared for, and emotionally supported during difficult transitions in their lives.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop, in conjunction with the Clinical Case Manager and the foster youth, short term goals and contract in writing as to the responsibilities, obligations, procedures and rules of the Treatment Home, as well as relating to the child's needs for personal growth and development.
  • Provide a supportive and nurturing relationship within the home with adequate supervision of the youth's activities as outlined in the youth's treatment plan agreement.
  • Attend and complete all mandatory in-service program training, Foster Parent meetings and program functions.
  • Maintain regular communications with the foster youth's Clinical Case Manager, biological or reunifying family, and probation officer, of applicable.
  • Use the Emergency Procedures as outlined.
  • Have a reliable motor vehicle and plan, arrange and handle all transportation needs of the youth, e.g., medical, dental and therapy appointments, emergency care, school meetings, family visits and court appearances. Foster Parents are also expected to aid in the transition of a foster youth in the event that the placement is terminated ad/or another placement has been found.
  • Attend all school meetings, foster care reviews, quarterly meetings, and court hearings of foster youth, ect.
  • Notify the Clinical Case Manager with advanced notice of any out-of-state visits, and provide program approved back-up supervision plan during any extended absences from the home.
  • Have a telephone available in the home at all times that is accessible to the youth.
  • Cover any unusual expenses incurred by the foster youth during placement process, e.g., property damage, phone bills. Gándara is not responsible for payment in the event of damage to of loss of the foster parents' property caused by the foster child. Foster parents are advised to review their insurance policies to assure liability coverage. Gándara is not responsible for paying any long distance phone calls made from the Foster Parents' home. You Clinical Case Manager will work with you in advising you in ways of limiting telephone use.
  • Uphold guidelines against the use of drugs and alcohol. The use of alcohol or illegal substances by program clients is not permitted by this agency under any circumstances! In the event this behavior should occur with the knowledge and approval of a Foster Parent, it will result in a program investigation and notification of the appropriate authorities and agencies.
  • Adhere to program guidelines regarding firearms. Foster parents are entitled to own firearms providing they have the required firearms permits, due to the emotional challenges of the population we serve, no firearms or ammunition, under any circumstances, are to be stored in any home or property where a foster youth resides. Foster children are prohibited from engaging in any activities involving weapons of any kind.
  • Report all illegal activities to the Clinical Case Manager.
  • Arrange to undertake other actions with regard to a foster child, such as authorization of school related activities, and are required to follow the child's special education plans under Chapter 766 of the Massachusetts Act of 1972.
  • Not give up full-time care taking responsibilities of any foster youth to anyone other than the agency or person designated by the agency, unless ordered to do so by the court.
  • Be licensed and accept clients only from the Gándara Center and no other placement agency.
  • Get approval from the Director of Foster Care through your Family Resource worker if you wish to do volunteer work or attend school.
  • Uphold agency guidelines regarding confidentiality. All background material on a foster youth including historical, psychological and psychiatric data are extremely confidential sources of information and are not to be indiscriminately shared with anyone, including family members and friends.
  • Plan for the care of your foster youth during an extended absence of the foster parent, including providing adequate notice of such absence so that the Clinical Case Manager and foster parent can assure the continuity of care.
  • Meet weekly with Clinical Case Manager.
  • Meet monthly with Family Resource worker.

Additional Information:
  • You have a right to complete access of your annual assessment and bi-annual license renewal.
  • You have the right to maintain the child rearing practices of your home as long as they are consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Foster parents are expected to adhere to all state law and agency requirements regarding disciplinary practices. Physical discipline is never allowed under any circumstances.
  • Foster Parent stipend checks will be available by direct deposit every other Friday afternoon or at the CFC 1095 Main St, Springfield office, checks may also be mailed upon request. Foster Parent Stipends are $73.35 per day.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be able to read, write, and manage day to day communication
  • Be physically and emotionally able to provide safe, consistent care.
  • Have stable income to meet your household needs.
  • Provide personal and medical references
  • Welcome a home visit and family assessment
  • Have sufficient time, flexibility, and a reliable support system
  • Have a valid ID and reliable transportation
  • Complete required background checks including criminal history, sex offender registry, and child welfare checks with fingerprinting.
  • Willing to not operate a daycare in your home.
  • Have no more than three children under 18 living in your home.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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