Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services is seeking a Foster Care Licensing Specialist to support foster parents and the child in care. You will train, equip, and connect foster parents with community resources to meet the child’s needs.

You will collaborate with caseworkers, ensure licensing compliance, and assist with orientation, relicensing, and placement processes. Strong communication and independent initiative are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited college.
• Master’s degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited college is preferred.
• Prior experience in foster care or child welfare is a plus.
• Demonstrated interviewing, placement, diagnostic and family assessment skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and follow-through on recruitment for foster parents and minority foster parents.
• Facilitate orientation sessions.
• Audit prospective family files for completeness and validity.
• Review foster home files for licensing compliance.
• Coordinate orientation for prospective foster parents.
• Work with prospective foster parents through screening and licensing.
• Monitor relicensing of foster homes.
• Review referrals for appropriate placement and coordinate with staff.
• Serve as liaison to caseworkers and supervisors.
• Ensure licensing, recruitment, and placement align with regulations.
• Inform caseworkers on regulations.
• Assist Training and Recruitment staff with events and recognition efforts.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Independent work

Interviewing

Case coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Master’s degree in Human Services or related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job 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;
• 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
• Comprehensive health insurance(medical,dental,andvision)
• 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 wellness program
• Employerpaidlong-termdisabilityandgroup termlifeinsurance