Foster Care Social Worker-Licensing

McDowell County•Department of Social Services, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position performs professional social work involving the recruitment, assessment, licensing, training, and ongoing support of foster and kinship homes for children in the custody or care of the agency. The Foster Care Licensing Social Worker ensures compliance with North Carolina foster care licensing standards and provides guidance and support to foster families to promote safe, stable, and nurturing placements for children. Work includes collaboration with internal staff, community partners, schools, medical providers, and the court system to support permanency planning and child well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related field
Experience in social work, counseling, case management, or child welfare preferred.
Master’s degree in Social Work or related field may be preferred depending on agency needs.
Experience in foster care, child protective services, licensing, or permanency planning is preferred.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Successful completion of criminal background check, child welfare background requirements, and any additional agency requirements.
Knowledge of foster care principles, child welfare practices, and family systems.
Knowledge of North Carolina foster home licensing requirements and child welfare policies.
Ability to assess family functioning, safety, and caregiver suitability.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with foster parents, children, families, and community partners.
Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling protected information.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Social Work or related field may be preferred depending on agency needs.
Experience in foster care, child protective services, licensing, or permanency planning is preferred.

Responsibilities

Recruit, assess, and license foster and kinship families in accordance with state policies and licensing standards.
Conduct home studies, background reviews, and safety assessments for prospective foster homes.
Provide ongoing monitoring, support, and re-licensing activities for approved foster homes.
Coordinate and facilitate pre-service and ongoing foster parent training.
Support placement stability and permanency outcomes for children in foster care.
Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with federal, state, and county requirements.
Conduct outreach and recruitment activities to increase the number of licensed foster homes within the county.
Complete comprehensive foster home assessments, including interviews, home visits, safety inspections, and reference checks.
Prepare and submit licensing recommendations and required documentation.
Ensure foster homes meet and maintain all applicable licensing regulations and standards.
Conduct annual re-licensing reviews and ongoing monitoring visits.
Coordinate and facilitate pre-service orientation and foster parent training programs.
Provide consultation, guidance, and crisis support to foster parents and kinship caregivers.
Assist foster families in understanding agency policies, expectations, and child-specific needs.
Identify training or service needs and connect foster families with appropriate resources.
Collaborate with foster care social workers, Child Protective Services staff, schools, healthcare providers, courts, and community agencies regarding placement and child needs.
Participate in placement planning and support placement matching efforts.
Maintain detailed case records, licensing files, and documentation in accordance with agency and state requirements.
Ensure timely completion of reports, licensing actions, and compliance activities.
Monitor foster homes for continued compliance with licensing regulations and child safety standards.
Participate in after-hours or emergency response activities as assigned.
Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
Perform related duties as assigned by supervision.