Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services seeks a dedicated recruiter to support foster care initiatives. You will develop and implement recruitment strategies, coordinate orientation sessions, and ensure licensing and placement compliance across programs.

Applicants should have a degree in Human Services, strong interviewing and communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate with caseworkers and staff. This role emphasizes compassionate service and adherence to regulations.

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, preferred.
• Prior experience in foster care or child welfare is a plus.
• Demonstrated interviewing, placement, diagnostic and family assessment skills.
• Ability to relate well and work with others.
• Ability to work independently with high initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to compassionate customer service.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and follow-through of recruitment techniques for foster and minority foster parents.
• Facilitate orientation sessions throughout the year.
• Audit and review prospective family files for paperwork and expirations.
• 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 referral information for appropriate placement and coordinate with staff.
• Serve as liaison to caseworkers and supervisors for activities with foster homes and community.
• Ensure licensing, recruitment, and placement practices meet state and federal regulations.
• Inform caseworkers on licensing and placement regulations.
• Communicate violations and work to correct them.
• Assist Training and Development Coordinator and Recruitment Specialist with annual events.
• Role responsibilities may vary by program/department.
• May participate in Bethany sponsored events.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Placement

Family assessment

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Master’s degree in Human Services (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.

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 within 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, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul;
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities;
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision);
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility;
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO, paid parent & family leave, separate sick and paid absence banks);
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify;
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program;
• Employer paid long‑term disability and group term life insurance.