Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Wellpoint Care Network•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

At Wellpoint Care Network, our mission is to facilitate equity, learning, healing, and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive. Every person deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. It’s part of human nature, and the promise of our country, that everyone be given a fair chance to be and do their best. Yet, many in our community live with unresolved childhood and generational trauma. That’s where we come in. We believe we can create a world where children and families have a clearer path to their fullest potential. Wellpoint Care Network has championed the restoration of families for nearly 175 years. Job Purpose: Our next Foster Care Licensing Specialist will assess potential foster parent applicants and follows all state and federal guidelines during the licensing process. They ensure that foster parents receive the support that they need in order to successfully care for children in their home. The Foster Care Licensing Specialist will uphold Wellpoint values and promotes Wellpoint’s vision that every child and family can thrive.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field required.
Child Welfare experience required. Foster Care Licensing and/or Adoption experience preferred.
Ability to assess potential foster families to determine their ability to care for foster children.
Basic computer skills required. eWiSACWIS experience preferred.
SAFE Home Study Certification or ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire.
Must be at least 21 years of age to transport children or families.
Proficient in the usage of computer software; demonstrate an understanding of computer file systems and computer software packages, e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, ADP, etc.
Must be honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines; Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Physical exam, drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background checks are required for this position.
A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or occupational driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance is required.

Nice To Haves

Social Work certification preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Experience working with families of a diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic background strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Educate clients and collateral professionals regarding eligibility, requirements, and expectations of program participation.
Based upon program need, completes primarily initial or ongoing assessment of foster and adoptive families, Level 1-5, utilizing a structured home study tool and process including during the relicensing process.
Effectively interprets, applies, and enforces requirements of DCF Administrative Code 12, 50, 51, 54 & 56; Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48; Indian Child Welfare Act; Adoption & Safe Families Act; Multi-Ethnic Placement Act, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare Policy & Procedure and Agency policy and accreditation standards.
Regularly collaborates with child welfare and foster care colleagues to best meet the needs of children and foster families.
Participates in the recruitment and retention of foster families.
Performs regular licensing visits based on level of care requirements to ensure compliance with all applicable licensing standards, quality care and to assess the needs of the child and foster family.
Ensures licensing timelines are met 100% of the time.
Assess the need for developing and implementing a support plan for each foster parent to address training needs and other supports required to meet the needs of each individual child placed in the home.
Team with foster parents and colleagues to ensure placement stability whenever safe and possible.
Reviews potential licensing violations and incidents as they arise.
Makes recommendations regarding disciplinary action if needed include license holds and closures.
Maintains open communication with placement team and ongoing case management staff regarding the status of foster home licenses following a report.
Actively collaborate with placement liaison, initial assessment, ongoing case managers and permanency consultants to determine best placement match that meets the needs of the child with the abilities, skills, and training of the foster home.
Participate in the daytime coverage rotation by providing support during high volume placement days as well as ensuring all calls to the foster parent information line are responded to.
Enters all applicable licensing information, training, and case notes into Kaleidacare and eWiSACWIS within 72 business hours.
Responsible for tracking all licensing decisions and reporting data on a regular basis as required by contract reporting and strategic planning.
All employees will be evaluated on their demonstration of a consistent commitment to the Agency’s Seven Essential Ingredients, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and engagement in the strategic initiatives of the organization. This will be measured by their active participation in committees and workgroups, and by their communication and practice within their daily work and in the community.
Other duties as assigned, including serving in a coverage role for other department members.
Participates in assigned meetings, events and learning as required.