Part-Time Licensing Specialist

SHELTER, Inc.; Arlington Heights (IL); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Shelter, Inc. is seeking a Part-Time Licensing Specialist in Illinois to recruit, monitor, and license foster families in line with DCFS rules. The role includes in-home visits, assessing homes, and guiding families through licensing steps.

You will collaborate with the Foster Care team, participate in trainings and events, and maintain timely documentation while upholding professional standards and boundaries with clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.
• Two years of related experience preferred.
• Must pass all exams and trainings required by DCFS.

Responsibilities

• Complete in-home foster parent home studies and licensing visits to ensure DCFS standards.
• Guide foster parents and caseworkers through licensing and certification processes.
• Attend recruitment events and assist in developing trainings for foster parents.
• Maintain timely documentation and responsive communication with clients.
• Coordinate placement with the foster care team and monitor homes.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and maintain client boundaries.
• Travel to client homes as needed and conduct safety assessments.
• Fulfill flexible schedule including occasional after-hours as needed.
• Complete required trainings within 90 days of employment.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Computer skills

Flexibility and organization

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Job description

Part-Time Licensing Specialist Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

The Licensing Specialist is responsible for the recruitment, maintenance, and licensing of foster families in compliance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' rules and regulations. The Licensing Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe home for youth by seeking appropriate placements, conducting in-home monitoring visits, and assessing prospective homes to be licensed. In addition, the licensing specialist will investigate licensing complaints and violations. The licensing specialist will work to develop our foster parent community by developing training opportunities and events.

Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor's degree in human service area. Two years of related experience preferred.

Must pass all exams and trainings as required by DCFS.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Complete in-home foster parent home studies, monitoring home visits, and licensing violation visits to assess the home and family to ensure they meet DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrate flexibility and organization to work independently. Proficient use of computer skills is needed.
• Complete documentation and respond to communication timely.
• Guide foster parents and caseworkers through the licensing and/or certification process.
• Work closely with foster care team when seeking appropriate placement for foster youth.
• Attend foster parent recruitment events
• Assist in the development of trainings and events for current and prospective foster parents.
• Responds in a timely manner (within 24-48 hours) all written correspondence, email and phone call inquiries regarding clients
• Always acts in a professional manner and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients
• Reports to work, meetings, training, and job related activities prepared and as scheduled
• Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers.
• Performs other related tasks as required or assigned by Foster Care Director.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Case Worker shall be supervised by and accountable to the Foster Care Director.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

Hours and days will be scheduled by Foster Care Director in conjunction with employee. Flexibility to meet the needs of clients is needed to include working outside typical business hours. Seeking 20-25 hours per week.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in human services field required from an accredited school. Experience in child welfare or related field preferred. Master's Degree in Social Work desired.
• Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Must pass all required trainings and exams in order to be eligible as a licensing specialist within 90 days of employment.
• Must have a valid driver's license, a reliable automobile, adequate automobile insurance and good driving record.
• Must become certified in CPR, mandated reporter training, Trauma Training and First Aid and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) within six months of employment date.
• Must complete a Medical exam and T.B. test providing proof of results. Provide proof of covid-19 vaccination.
• Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full Background Check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Must submit official academic transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; and use hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, reach with hands or arms. The employee will be working closely with children and families from all different communities we serve. This will require the ability to drive for extended periods of time in rural or urban areas. The employee will need to be able to visit clients in their home setting, which will require the ability to climb stairs to access different living spaces of the client's home to assess for safety concerns. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed at the agency office and client's homes, frequently in a company or private vehicle, and at your home (for hybrid positions). Must maintain an insured personal vehicle.

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is a non-exempt position.

SALARY

$24/hour for 20-25 hours weekly

ABOUT SHELTER

Since 1975, Shelter has been a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs, and services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Our programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities.