Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bethany Christian Services USA • Kalamazoo, MI

9d • $23 - $25

About The Position

Rooted in Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. The organization operates across 29 states, strengthening families, supporting foster care and adoption, and assisting refugees. The Foster Care Licensing Specialist is part of a foster parent’s support team, helping train and equip foster parents and connect them with community resources to meet the needs of children in their care.

The specialist supports foster parent recruitment, orientation, screening, licensing, and relicensing; reviews family and foster home files for completeness and compliance; and coordinates placement-related activities with foster care staff. The role serves as a liaison to caseworkers, supervisors, foster homes, and the community; helps ensure practices comply with state and federal regulations; and supports foster parent training, recognition, and retention. Participation in an on-call rotation is required. Responsibilities may vary with program needs, and the specialist may be asked to participate in Bethany-sponsored events and perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field from an accredited college.
• Demonstrated interviewing, placement, diagnostic, and family assessment skills.
• Ability to relate and work well with others.
• Eligibility to obtain professional licensure in the State of Michigan.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate high initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide excellent, compassionate customer service.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage.
• Must pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Must subscribe to and integrate the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Human Services or a related field from an accredited college, preferred.
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and following through on recruitment techniques for foster parents, including minority foster parents.
• Facilitate orientation sessions throughout the year and develop and coordinate informative orientations for prospective foster parents.
• Audit prospective family files to ensure paperwork has been received and is current.
• Review and audit foster home files for compliance with licensing requirements.
• Work with prospective foster parents through initial screening and licensing.
• Monitor foster home relicensing within the program.
• Review referral information to support appropriate out-of-home placements and coordinate with foster care staff and supervisors as needed.
• Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and supervisors for activities involving foster homes and the community.
• Ensure foster home licensing, recruitment, and placement practices align with state and federal regulations.
• Inform caseworkers about licensing and placement regulations.
• Communicate rule violations promptly to caseworkers and foster parents and help correct violations through special evaluations.
• Assist the Training and Development Coordinator and Recruitment Specialist with activities, including annual recognition events and efforts to retain foster parents.
• Participate in an on-call rotation.
• Participate in Bethany-sponsored events when required or requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned; essential responsibilities may vary based on program or department needs.

Benefits

• Team environment with professionals motivated by faith who support one another and pursue excellence.
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility.
• Generous time off, including 11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, and separate sick and paid absence banks.
• Education reimbursement for those who qualify.
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group term life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time