Kinship Support Licensing Specialist

Easter Seals Blake Foundation•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Kinship Support Licensing Specialist guides kinship families through foster care licensing, identifying barriers and providing consistent support to help expedite the process. The role includes reviewing licensing requirements, conducting interviews and home studies, collecting documentation, providing resources and training, and submitting materials to the State of Arizona. The specialist also conducts home inspections and visits, monitors licensing progress, supports compliance with safety requirements, and completes licensing renewals, amendments, and investigations as required. The position may include helping families access support programs and completing kinship home assessments, adoption certifications, and guardianship annual review reports. The specialist works with agency staff, families, the Office of Licensing and Regulation, the Department of Child Safety, and community agencies. This is a field position involving visits to homes and travel to outlying sites, as well as work in a normal office environment. Additional hours or days may be required depending on circumstances.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of experience working with kinship caregivers; alternatively, one year of combined experience, education, and/or volunteer work providing services, support, advocacy, case management, family engagement, or resource coordination for kinship caregivers, foster families, or child-welfare-involved families, or experience as a foster or kinship parent.
At least 21 years of age.
Current, unrestricted Arizona driver's license with no more than two minor moving violations or one accident within the past three years.
Three years of driving experience.
Transportation for daily visits, trainings, and other work-related activities; organizational vehicles may not always be available.
Ability to pass a criminal background check before employment and regular checks throughout employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card; employer provides it.
CPR and First Aid certification; employer provides it.
Clear/negative pre-employment drug test and clear/negative random drug test biennially from the date of hire; employer provides testing.
Knowledge of foster care licensing rules, regulations, initial applications, renewals, and amendments.
Self-motivation, initiative, and a desire to meet specific goals.
Ability to manage multiple projects, requests, and deadlines simultaneously.
Outstanding customer service skills, tact, discretion, and attention to detail.
Ability to exchange accurate information; excellent interpersonal communication skills; effective speaking and writing.
Ability to work independently and teach others using anticipatory guidance, modeling, coaching, reflection, and role-play.
Ability to form strong partnerships with staff, consumers, and community service agencies, and to work collaboratively and positively with colleagues.
Ability to acknowledge, respect, and build upon family diversity, including differences in race, ethnicity, family constellation, gender, socioeconomic status, values, and traditions.
Ability to recognize abuse and/or neglect in the home.
High level of computer proficiency, including PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Calendar/Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
Knowledge of the foster care system, family systems, strength-based home visiting techniques, and child and adolescent development and behavior.
Working knowledge of the impact of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child neglect, and substance abuse on families and children.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, with or without accommodation, including lifting up to 50 pounds; reading computer screens and forms; communicating clearly; hearing; typing and writing; and stooping, squatting, reaching, pulling, pushing, stretching, using stairs, and standing or sitting for extended periods.
Ability to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide kinship families through the licensing process by reviewing requirements, conducting interviews, collecting documentation, providing resources, delivering pre-service training, and completing home studies for submission to the State of Arizona.
Conduct initial and ongoing home inspections for foster care licensure.
Assist families in complying with Office of Licensing and Regulation Life Safety Requirements and identify opportunities to submit waivers when needed.
Maintain complete, current family files and ensure documentation meets contract and Chapter 6 requirements; submit required licensing materials accurately and on time.
Conduct monthly and then quarterly visits to monitor progress, and provide support home visits as needed.
Ensure home study and licensure timelines are met according to contract requirements and agency standards.
Conduct amendments and renewals on licensed homes within required timelines.
Conduct licensing investigations as requested by the Office of Licensing and Regulation and the Department of Child Safety.
Provide initial licensing and ongoing training to kinship providers.
Contact and schedule appointments with Department of Child Safety-referred families within contract timeframes.
On occasion, conduct initial home visits to identify needs and provide resources; complete interviews and write kinship family home assessments within required timelines.
Assist families in enrolling in support programs such as WIC, TANF, fingerprinting, behavioral health services, and educational support.
Assist with adoption certifications and guardianship annual review reports.
Participate in Aviva events as needed.
Participate in ongoing professional development and meetings.
Maintain comprehensive communication with agency contacts, members, and external agencies.
Model professional standards and ethics in accordance with the EBF Code of Conduct, Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.