Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking organization focused on strengthening families and advocating for children. As a Foster Care Licensing Specialist, you will play a crucial role in the recruitment and licensing of foster parents, ensuring that children are placed in safe and supportive environments. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children, while working collaboratively with a diverse team. If you are passionate about child welfare and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment and licensing for foster parents.
• Monitor relicensing of foster homes and ensure compliance.
• Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and community.

Skills

Interviewing Skills

Placement Skills

Family Assessment Skills

Customer Service Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Master’s degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families providethe strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus onstrengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centeredsolutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care ofa single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate thelove and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, andfamilies. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicatedprofessionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country.Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivatedby our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursueexcellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

As a Foster Care (FC) Licensing Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for coordinating recruitment, licensing, and education for foster parents to facilitate intake and placement of refugee and unaccompanied children in out-of-home placements.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process intake screenings for prospective foster parents;
• Assist in the development and follow-through process on innovative and assertive recruitment techniques for foster parents and minority foster parents;
• 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;
• Review and audit foster home files to ensure adherence to licensing requirements;
• 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;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the applicable state;
• 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 skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
• 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.