Licensing Specialist (7106)

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

Telehealth

EAP – Employee Assistance Program

Employer paid life insurance

13 paid holidays + floating holiday

Generous PTO

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. (LSF) seeks a Licensing Specialist to manage licensing and re-licensing of foster care families and related caregivers.

The role involves interviewing families, completing licensing steps, and maintaining documentation, with travel across Florida as needed. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, 1+ year of relevant experience, Florida child welfare certification (or within 1 year), and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field is required; Social Work degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience with children.
• Florida child welfare certification or obtain within one year of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to type 45 wpm.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally and statewide.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess perspective foster families.
• Complete initial licensing requirements for prospective foster families and licensed caregivers.
• Conduct annual re-licensing of foster families.
• Perform retention/waiver visits and foster home investigations.
• Document information in FSFN provider tab for prospective and licensed families.
• Support and advocate for assigned foster families and participate in case reviews.

Skills

Interviewing

Assessment

Communication

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Social Work degree preferred

Florida child welfare certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Licensing Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This position is responsible for the licensing and re-licensing of foster care families and Level-appropriate licensures of relative and non-relative caregivers for the system of care.

Essential Functions:

• Interview and assess perspective foster families
• Complete all initial licensing requirements for prospective foster families and Level-appropriate licensed caregivers
• Conduct all required procedures for annual re-licensing of foster families
• Conduct required retention/waiver visits
• Investigate all assigned foster home issues/concerns and foster care referrals
• Assist with coordination and facilitation of abuse report activities as conducted by child protective investigations
• Provides support and advocacy for assigned foster families
• Attends/support Foster/ Adoptive Parents Association (FAPA) events and meetings
• Attendance and preparation of documentation for case review consultations for foster homes
• Participation in case review consultations when applicable for dependency related case review consultations
• Participation in foster home recruitment activities and education
• Increase public awareness of the need for safe, appropriate foster care and adoptive homes
• Document necessary information in FSFN provider tab for all prospective and licensed families
• Conduct licensing activities as described above for any licensed foster families considered to represent a conflict of
  interest per current administrative code.

All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards:

• Courtesy: Treat customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image.
• Communication Skills: Keep supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential
  problems. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
• Team Work: Support the unit, department and/or organization and work with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of
  the unit, department and/or organization.
• Safety: Employee makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
• Training: Attend and successfully complete all mandated training courses to obtain and maintain child welfare certification
  requirements and LSF training requirements.
• Confidentiality: Adhere to all confidentiality rules.

Other Functions:

Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours, be able to travel as needed.
• Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, and appropriate auto liability insurance ($10,000/$20,000) required.

Education:

Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field. Degree in Social Work preferred.

Experience:

• Must have a minimum of one year of relevant experience working with children.
• Must possess a child welfare certification for the State of Florida or obtain child welfare certification within one year of hire
  date.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with and ability to use Microsoft Office programs Word and Excel.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to drive both locally and throughout the state in connection with the duties of this position.
• Possess general knowledge regarding child welfare work, including Statutes and regulations regarding licensing and
  placement of children in foster homes.
• Experience with customer service and multi-task office setting.
• Have administrative abilities and be detail oriented.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and utilize initiative, ability to be organized and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Work to continue personal competency through education, outside literature, seminars, etc.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com