Call for Subject Matter Experts

Call for Subject Matter Experts: Curriculum Development and Training for Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Teens in Foster Care 

 

Overview 
Fact Forward seeks experienced professionals with expertise in adolescent development, social work, trauma-informed care, and foster care to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in developing a curriculum to improve support for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to address the unique needs of this population through informed, trauma-responsive, and two-generational approaches. 

 

Target Expertise 
We are looking for SMEs with the following backgrounds: 

  • Adolescent Development Specialist 

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with expertise in trauma-informed principles 

  • Professionals with experience in two-generation models (e.g., Nurse-Family Partnership or similar programs) 

  • Foster Parents or Case Managers/Supervisors in Foster Care 

  • School-Based Social Workers or Counselors 

  • Health Practitioners experienced with pregnant and parenting youth 

  • Professionals working with young fathers 

  • Individuals who were pregnant or parenting teens while in foster care or have lived experience with the foster care system 

 

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables: 
SMEs will contribute to developing and refining the curriculum by participating in interviews, panel discussions, and reviewing materials. Your expertise will ensure the content is practical, informed, and relevant to those supporting this vulnerable population. The total expected time commitment is approximately 25 hours, broken down as follows: 

  1. 1. Key Informant Interview 

  • - Timeframe: December 2024 

  • - Duration: 2 hours 

  • - Description: Provide insights into current challenges, gaps, and best practices for supporting  pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. 

  1. 2. Pre-Panel Work 

  • - Timeframe: January 2025 

  • - Duration: 10 hours 

  • - Description: Review articles, existing content, and relevant research in preparation for the expert panel. Your pre-panel work will inform the discussions and ensure the curriculum reflects up-to-date, evidence-based practices. 

  1. 3. Expert Panel Review 

  • - Timeframe: End of February 2025 

  • - Duration: 8 hours 

  • - Description: Participate in a full-day panel where the draft curriculum and training materials will be presented. SMEs will offer feedback, insights, and recommendations for improvement. 

  1. 4. Follow-Up Meeting & Pilot Testing Assistance 

  • - Timeframe: April 2025 

  • - Duration: 4 hours 

  • - Description: Engage in a follow-up meeting to review pilot data, discuss implementation challenges, and refine the curriculum based on feedback from pilot tests. 

 

Total Time Commitment: 25 hours 

 

Compensation: 
SMEs will receive competitive compensation for their time and expertise. Details will be provided upon selection. 

 

Application Process: 
To be considered, please submit the following by November 8, 2024: 

  1. 1. A brief CV or resume highlighting your relevant experience. 

  1. 2. Develop a 10–15-minute activity on one of the following subject areas to be taught to adult learners: 

  1. A. Trauma-Informed Care for Pregnant and Parenting Youth 

  1. B. Engaging and Supporting Youth Fathers 

  1. C. Two-Generation Approaches in Foster Care 

  1. D. Best Practices for Working with Pregnant and Parenting Teens in Foster Care 

  1. E. A comprehensive understanding of supporting young parents' physical, emotional, and educational aspects.  

  1. F. Effective communication strategies  

  1. G. Practical parenting skills  

  1. H. Rights and responsibilities of custodial and noncustodial parents in foster care  

 

Contact Information: 
Please send your application materials to training@factforward.org with the subject line "Subject Matter Expert Application - Foster Care Curriculum." 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Brittany Wearing at bwearing@factforward.org or 803-960-1525.