Foster Care Licensing Specialist (Onsite) Baltimore

Global Refuge • Baltimore, MD

21d • Onsite

About The Position

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you! The Licensing Specialist is responsible for cultivating a robust network of strong foster families to host unaccompanied children referred to the Transitional Foster Care (TFC) program. This role requires the development and implementation of a foster family recruitment program and ongoing management of the licensing/re-licensing foster home process. A successful Licensing Specialist will have a creative and strategic approach to foster family recruitment and retention, maintain a working knowledge of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Unaccompanied Children program, a strong sense of child welfare, best practices, and familiarity with the local community and resources. This position reports to the Licensing Supervisor. Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships. Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including: medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Family Studies , required.
• Child welfare and/or case management experience is strongly encouraged.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Comfort with public speaking and an ability to effectively implement trainings and program presentations in front of groups.
• Excellent organizational and time management practices.
• Ability to manage competing demands and multiple timelines across several ongoing projects.
• Cultural sensitivity and an ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions (using the UC Portal, Microsoft Office, and any internal e-case management software).
• Valid Driver's License, proof of automobile insurance and positive driving record to transport minors in own vehicle if required.
• Ability to pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Must be willing and able to clear a criminal background check for the past seven (7) years.
• Must be willing and able to request and clear Child Abuse and Neglect background check in all states lived within previous five (5) years, updated yearly.
• Must be willing and able to obtain FBI fingerprint check every five (5) years.
• Must undergo an enhanced background check following hire.
• Must have valid driver's license and MVA check free of major infractions for the last seven (7) years.
• Must clear a State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services screening.
• Must complete a bi-annual physical exam and TB testing, in accordance with Maryland state licensing requirements.
• Must maintain proof of childhood and annual vaccinations, including MMR, varicella, Tdap, and influenza.
• Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
• Must be able to complete non-traditional work hours including evenings and weekends to accommodate foster home visits, recruitment events, and retention activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Social Work or counseling; licensure in the state of Maryland (LMSW / LCP), strongly preferred.
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish, highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the scheduling, development, and implementation of recruitment activities to maintain a pool of diverse and culturally sensitive families for foster care programming.
• Foster strategic partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Accompany prospective foster families through the application and licensure process with support and a working knowledge of the ORR Foster Care programs and local state licensing requirements.
• Oversee foster family orientation and training.
• Manage retention efforts by developing and facilitating supportive activities for existing foster families.
• Coordinate with and report activities to the Global Refuge Program Office for Recruitment and Retention.
• Conduct home visits for initial licensure and licensure renewal, as needed.
• Respond to emergency placement needs.
• Maintain meticulous foster parent case files.
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of foster families.
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as handbooks, brochures, and other informational material.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately
• tuition reimbursement
• professional development

What This Job Offers

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