Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Requisition #: req15594

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, 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;
• Bilingual preferred;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• 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.