Foster Home Licensing Specialist

Hands Across The Water Inc•Ann Arbor, MI

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Foster Home Licensing Specialist is responsible for evaluating prospective foster families, maintaining case management responsibilities for licensed foster homes, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, licensing, and contractual requirements. This position manages a caseload of foster home licensing cases, including initial evaluations, ongoing supervision of licensed homes, and licensing complaints (special evaluations) as assigned. The Licensing Specialist also participates in foster parent recruitment, retention activities, and training efforts to support the agency’s mission of providing safe and appropriate homes for children.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human behavioral science, education, or related field
Experience working in a professional setting with youth and families strongly preferred
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing demands with strict timelines
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Critical thinking, sound judgment, and ability to make complex decisions focused on child safety and well-being
Ability to handle stress and adapt to changing circumstances
Strong clinical observation and assessment skills
Knowledge of child welfare practices and community resources
Commitment to the preparation, training, and support of foster families
Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and provide proof of automobile insurance
Must not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire
Must not be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect
Must comply with all background check and licensing requirements applicable to the position

Responsibilities

Assess and evaluate prospective foster families using DHHS-approved documents, policies, and procedures, and recommend issuance or denial of foster home licenses
Identify barriers to successful completion of the licensing process and provide guidance to address those barriers
Determine training needs of prospective foster families and ensure completion of required training
Maintain monthly contact with licensed and prospective families, providing support, education, and guidance throughout the licensing process and ongoing foster care experience
Complete all initial, annual, and renewal licensing assessments within required timeframes
Conduct licensing complaint investigations (special evaluations) and make recommendations regarding licensing status and corrective action plans
Complete relative caregiver placement assessments as assigned to support foster care program needs
Carry a full-time caseload of up to 30 licensing cases
Actively participate in the development and implementation of the agency’s recruitment and retention plan
Participate in recruitment events, including those held during evenings and weekends
Plan and conduct foster parent orientation meetings and training sessions as needed
Develop and implement family-specific training plans when appropriate
Maintain compliance with State of Michigan licensing policies, regulations, and timelines
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in CWLM and paper files
Assist families in gathering and completing required licensing documentation
Conduct periodic audits of licensing records and files
Maintain effective working relationships with DHHS, DCWL, licensing consultants, community partners, and agency staff
Collaborate with Foster Care and State Adoption programs to support placement and licensing needs
Participate in placement intake processes as assigned, including managing placement inquiries and coordinating responses
Participate in a 24-hour on-call rotation as required
Attend agency staff meetings and program-related meetings
Participate in agency trainings and professional development activities
Maintain an up-to-date personnel file as directed by Human Resources
Maintain regular and predictable attendance
Perform additional duties as assigned to support program and agency operations
Completion of certification training and special evaluation training provided by DCWL within the first six months of employment
Completion of all agency-mandated orientation and ongoing training requirements
Ongoing professional development of a minimum of 32 hours per year, or as required by contract or licensing standards