Foster Care Licensing Specialist (7166)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Myers, FL

7d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Foster Care Licensing Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. The schedule for this role is Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM with weekend and evening availability for foster parent events and recruitment. Purpose and Impact: The Foster Care Licensing Specialist is responsible for the licensing and re-licensing of foster care families and Level I licensures of relative and non-relative caregivers for the Circuit 10 system of care.

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.
• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field.
• 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.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess perspective foster families
• Complete all initial licensing requirements for prospective foster families and Level I 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 Circuit 10 / Heartland For Children 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.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level