Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Child Saving Institute; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Saving Institute in Omaha, NE is seeking an experienced Foster Care Licensing Specialist to manage a full licensing caseload, conduct home studies, background checks, and safety assessments for prospective foster homes. This role requires handling complex licensing matters and mentoring newer staff.

The position emphasizes ongoing training coordination, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with placement teams to ensure suitable, licenced homes for children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field is required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in foster care licensing, foster care case management, or related child welfare work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct home studies, background checks, and safety assessments for prospective foster families in accordance with state licensing standards.
• Complete and submit all licensing documentation (initial licensure, renewals, variances, corrective action plans) within required state timelines.
• Coordinate pre-service and ongoing training for foster families in accordance with state-required curriculum.
• Conduct regular home visits and inspections to ensure continued compliance with licensing standards.
• Investigate and respond to licensing complaints, concerns, or violations, coordinating with state licensing authorities as needed.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready licensing files for all assigned foster homes.
• Coordinate with placement and case management teams to match children with appropriately licensed, well-suited homes.
• Represent the agency during state licensing reviews, audits, and inspections.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for newer licensing staff, providing guidance on complex, high-risk, or unusual licensing cases.
• Stay current on changes to state and federal foster care licensing regulations and communicate relevant updates to staff and foster families.
• Collect statistics and support quality improvement procedures related to licensing outcomes and compliance.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Sound judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Mary Holland Campus (Headquarters) - Omaha, NE 68132

Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Location: Mary Holland Campus and Servicing Area as Needed

Pay: $22.00+ (Experience Considered) + Eligible for 10% Bilingual Differential

About CSI

Our story begins in Omaha in 1892, when, due to epidemics, poverty and the difficulties of pioneer life, many children were left in need of parental care. CSI met the need in a revolutionary way – putting the well-being of children first and working to be a voice for the voiceless. We seek to champion children and families by providing the mental, emotional and physical spaces they need to feel empowered and to thrive. Child Saving Institute is looking for someone who has a mind full of wonder and a heart-filled desire to make a difference! We’re on a mission to champion what’s best for each child and family.

About the Role

The Foster Care Licensing Specialist is responsible for the recruitment, licensing, and ongoing compliance monitoring of foster homes in accordance with state licensing regulations. This is an experienced-level role expected to manage a full licensing caseload independently, handle complex or high-risk licensing situations, and serve as a resource and mentor to newer licensing staff.

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct home studies, background checks, and safety assessments for prospective foster families in accordance with state licensing standards.
• Complete and submit all licensing documentation (initial licensure, renewals, variances, corrective action plans) within required state timelines.
• Coordinate pre-service and ongoing training for foster families in accordance with state-required curriculum.
• Conduct regular home visits and inspections to ensure continued compliance with licensing standards.
• Investigate and respond to licensing complaints, concerns, or violations, coordinating with state licensing authorities as needed.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready licensing files for all assigned foster homes.
• Coordinate with placement and case management teams to match children with appropriately licensed, well-suited homes.
• Represent the agency during state licensing reviews, audits, and inspections.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for newer licensing staff, providing guidance on complex, high-risk, or unusual licensing cases.
• Stay current on changes to state and federal foster care licensing regulations and communicate relevant updates to staff and foster families.
• Collect statistics and support quality improvement procedures related to licensing outcomes and compliance.

Other Duties

• Drive to and from foster homes for licensing visits, inspections, and support meetings.
• Participate in supervision sessions as required.
• Complete all training necessary to perform the position, including any required state licensing certifications.
• Show flexibility regarding work schedule (to be determined by supervisor). Evening and weekend work is required.
• Facilitate a team atmosphere by working in partnership with other agency staff, including mentoring newer licensing team members.
• Represent the agency and programs in a positive manner to foster families, community organizations, and the public in general.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in foster care licensing, foster care case management, or related child welfare work required.
• Demonstrated, working knowledge of state foster care licensing regulations (Iowa and/or Nebraska).
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Strong organizational skills and experience maintaining audit-ready documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a full licensing caseload independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building trust with prospective and current foster families, including in difficult or sensitive conversations.
• Sound judgment and ability to make independent decisions in complex or high-risk licensing situations.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including ability to effectively use an electronic client and licensing database.

Vehicle Requirements

• Own transportation that meets agency vehicle inspection requirements.
• Valid driver's license with no more than 6 points.
• Proof of insurance that meets agency requirements.

Environment: Work occurs in a combination of office-, home-, and community-based environments, including regular travel to foster homes for licensing visits and inspections.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to type and perform other office skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals and takes steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Child Saving Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Child Saving Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources to discuss their needs.

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet organizational needs.