Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Generous time off

Education reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services, located in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a Foster Care Licensing Specialist to support foster families and children in care. You will train, connect families with community resources, and ensure licensing compliance.

The role emphasizes recruitment for foster parents, orientation delivery, documentation audits, and coordination with caseworkers to meet state requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Human Services preferred.
• Experience in foster care or child welfare is a plus.
• Strong interviewing, placement, and family assessment skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and follow-through of recruitment for foster parents.
• Facilitate orientation sessions throughout the year.
• Audit foster home files for licensing compliance.
• Coordinate licensing and placement with caseworkers and supervisors.

Skills

Human Services degree

Master’s degree

Foster care experience

Interviewing skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

MVR check

Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Master’s degree in Human Services, preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category: Social Services - Domestic Programs

Requisition Number: FOSTE001643

Locations

Showing 1 location

MI-GR-901 Eastern
Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

Description

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

As a Foster Care Licensing Specialist, you’ll be part of a foster parent’s Bethany team, supporting them and the child in their care. You’ll train, equip, and help connect foster parents to community resources to meet the child’s needs.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Assist in the development and follow-through process on innovative and assertive recruitment techniques for foster parents and minority foster parents;
• Facilitate orientation sessions throughout the year;
• Consistently audit and review prospective family files to ensure all paperwork is being received and has not expired;
• Review and audit foster home files to ensure adherence to licensing requirements;
• Develop and coordinate an efficient, informative orientation for prospective foster parents;
• Work closely with prospective foster parents as they go through initial screening and licensing;
• Closely monitor the relicensing of foster homes withing the program;
• Review referral information to ensure the appropriate placement in out- of home placements and coordinate with foster care staff and supervisor, as necessary;
• Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and/or supervisors for activities with the foster homes and the community;
• Ensure foster home licensing, recruitment, and placement practices align with state and federal regulations;
• Inform caseworkers on licensing and placement regulations;
• Communicate rule violations to the caseworker and foster parent in a timely manner, while also working with them to correct violations through special evaluations;
• Assist the Training and Development Coordinator and the Recruitment Specialist in activities to include but not limited to the annual recognition events and other efforts to retain foster parents;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare, a plus;
• Demonstrated ability with interviewing, placement, diagnostic and family assessment skills;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the State of Michigan;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursueexcellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generoustimeoff(11paidholidays,PTOYour Way,paidparentalleave,separatesickandpaidabsencebanks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellnessprogram

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Equal Opportunity Employer
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