Licensing Specialist

Partnership for Strong Families, Inc.; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Partnership for Strong Families, Inc. is seeking a Licensing Specialist to oversee licensing, training, and support for foster families in Florida.

You will conduct home studies, facilitate trainings, review documents, and ensure compliance with state regulations. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

This full-time role reports to Licensing Supervisor and requires CPP certification within 12 months and a Florida driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Two years of child welfare experience preferred or equivalent.
• CPP certification required within 12 months of appointment.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assess prospective foster and kinship families for licensure eligibility.
• Conduct home studies, family assessments, interviews, and background checks.
• Educate and prepare foster parents on licensing requirements.
• Facilitate pre-service and required trainings for foster families.
• Review documentation to ensure licensing compliance.
• Perform home visits to evaluate safety and suitability.
• Maintain confidential records in agency databases.
• Prepare licensing reports for management and regulatory review.
• Ensure homes meet health, safety, and child welfare standards.

Skills

Home studies

Documentation

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Training facilitation

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or social work

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Agency databases

Job description

Are you detail-oriented, relationship-focused, and passionate about supporting children and families? Partnership for Strong Families is seeking a full time Licensing Specialist responsible for licensing, training, and supporting families throughout the licensing process. This position reports to the Licensing Supervisor.

What You’ll Do:

• Assess prospective foster and kinship families to determine eligibility for licensure.
• Conduct home studies, family assessments, interviews, and background checks in accordance with state licensing regulations, agency policies and timeframes.
• Educate and prepare foster parents on the responsibilities, expectations, and requirements of foster care licensing.
• Facilitate pre-service training and other required training for potential foster families.
• Review and verify required documentation to ensure compliance with licensing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform initial and ongoing home visits to evaluate safety, suitability, and quality of care provided in foster homes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records within agency databases.
• Stay current on child welfare laws, foster care regulations, best practices, and agency procedures.
• Prepare detailed reports, correspondence, and licensing recommendations for management and regulatory review.
• Ensure all foster homes meet health, safety, and child welfare standards prior to licensure and throughout the licensing period.

What You Bring:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Two (2) years of child welfare experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Child Protection Professional (CPP) certification or CPP eligible. Must obtain a Child Protection Professional (CPP) certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver’s license to operate the motor vehicle operated. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

The Ideal Candidate has:

• Strong knowledge of foster home licensing policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to interpret and apply standards consistently and accurately.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with foster parents, child welfare professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, assessment, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to evaluate complex situations, make sound decisions, and develop appropriate action plans.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities, maintaining organization, meeting deadlines, and exercising good judgment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.

For more information about Partnership for Strong Families, please visit us at www.pfsf.org .

PSF is an EEO/ADA/VP/Drug Free employer.

We can help change the lives of many children and teens.

A hallmark of PSF’s system of care is our belief that child abuse is preventable. We have found that by providing resources and supports to families in need on the front end, many can avoid reaching the crises that lead to formal child welfare involvement functions.

Monetary donations throughout the year are a huge help to the children we serve. We accept donations by check, which can be mailed to our office or through the Philanthropy Hub link here.

Become part of a team that makes a lasting impact! No matter how much time you have to give, it is enough to make a big difference

We often have unique opportunities to partner with us through events that are organized to benefit Partnership for Strong Families