Foster Care Licensing & Family Support Specialist

National Youth Advocate Program; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

National Youth Advocate Program is seeking a Foster Care Licensing Coordinator in Columbus, OH to maintain annual re-certifications and ensure licensed homes meet organizational needs. You will work with foster parents, community partners, and supervisors to support safe, successful community living for youth.

The role requires a bachelor’s in social work or related field, valid licensure (LSW preferred), and at least 1 year of direct youth/family work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution.
• Active and valid professional licensure; LSW preferred.
• 1 year of work experience working in direct service with youth and families, required.
• A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in the service of foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served.
• Capacity to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.
• Excellent time management and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Driving and Vehicle Requirements: Valid driver’s license; reliable transportation; good driving record; minimum automobile insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

• Actively supports, represents, and extends the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies that generate the quantity and quality of inquiries for viable licensed foster homes.
• Support the development of potential foster parents in understanding the needs of the youth entering foster care, the expectation of mentoring primary families and the goal of reunification of youth with the primary family.
• Work with current, former, and prospective foster parents to retain families.
• Complete face-to-face meetings with each foster family to maintain licensure.
• Meet with foster parents to remove barriers in the licensing process.
• Complete a comprehensive home study for family and submit for approval.
• Maintain and update all foster home records in appropriate systems.
• Provide ongoing training and support to licensed foster homes.
• Complete annual evaluations and recertification of all licensed foster homes.
• Prepare adoption finalization paperwork.
• Travels daily, to provide community based services to, and on behalf of, youth and families in compliance with organizational, contract, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Time management

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or similar

LSW preferred

Job description

National Youth Advocate Program is seeking a Foster Care Licensing Coordinator in Columbus, OH to maintain annual re-certifications and ensure licensed homes meet organizational needs. You will work with foster parents, community partners, and supervisors to support safe, successful community living for youth.

The role requires a bachelor’s in social work or related field, valid licensure (LSW preferred), and at least 1 year of direct youth/family work.