Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan 403(b)

Paid Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services is seeking a Foster Care Licensing Specialist to support foster parents and children in care. You will train, equip, and connect families with community resources, ensuring licensing and placement align with state and federal regulations.

The role emphasizes interviewing, placement, and assessment skills, along with excellent communication and customer service to serve families across Michigan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and follow-through of recruitment techniques for foster parents and minority foster parents.
• Facilitate orientation sessions throughout the year.
• Audit and review prospective family files to ensure paperwork is current.
• Review foster home files for licensing compliance.
• Develop and coordinate efficient orientation for prospective foster parents.
• Work with prospective foster parents through initial screening and licensing.
• Monitor relicensing of foster homes within the program.
• Coordinate with foster care staff and caseworkers on placements.
• Serve as liaison to caseworkers and supervisors for activities with foster homes and the community.
• Ensure licensing, recruitment, and placement practices align with regulations.
• Inform caseworkers on licensing and placement regulations.
• Assist Training and Development and Recruitment staff with events and retention efforts.
• Participate in on-call rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Placement

Diagnostic skills

Family assessment

Communication

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Master’s degree in Human Services

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;
• Participate in on call rotation;
• 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
• Comprehensive health insurance(medical,dental,andvision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generoustimeoff(11paidholidays,PTOYour Way,paidparentalleve,separatesickandpaidabsencebanks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employerpaidlong-termdisabilityandgroup termlifeinsurance