Level 1 Licensing Specialist

Children's Network of Hillsborough • Egypt Lake-Leto, FL

5d • $24 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the Level 1 Specialist is to complete the Level 1 Licensure, Re-licensure and Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) for caregivers in Circuit 13. Additionally, the Specialists will support caregivers through training, assessing and coordination and provision of support services for children placed in the home.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Service or other related field
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a child welfare case manager, child protective investigator or other child welfare experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for building relationships with prospective foster parents, understanding their needs, and effectively conveying expectations.
• Organizational and time management skills are critical for handling multiple cases, conducting home studies, and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to assess and evaluate homes for safety and compliance with state and federal regulations requires keen attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy are vital to understanding the experiences of families and children while maintaining professionalism and objectivity.
• Knowledge of child welfare policies, licensing procedures, and trauma-informed care practices is crucial for ensuring compliance and supporting the well-being of children in care.
• Additionally, problem-solving abilities, cultural competence, and adaptability are essential for addressing challenges and fostering inclusive and supportive environments for diverse families.
• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Driver’s license check is a requirement
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication ensures clarity and accuracy in documentation, home studies, and reports, as well as in interactions with families, children, and community partners.
• Active listening skills are crucial for understanding the concerns and needs of families while fostering trust and collaboration.
• Additionally, the ability to adapt language to suit various audiences, whether explaining licensing requirements to families, drafting professional correspondence, or presenting information to stakeholders—enhances overall effectiveness in the role.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, percentages, ability to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Analytical reasoning skills allow specialists to assess home environments, evaluate the suitability of prospective foster parents, and interpret compliance with licensing standards.
• Problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing challenges, such as identifying and mitigating potential risks in a home or guiding families through the licensing process.
• Critical thinking helps in analyzing diverse information sources and making fair, objective judgments while maintaining the child’s best interests as the priority.
• Additionally, logical reasoning is key for organizing evidence, crafting detailed reports, and making recommendations based on findings.
• Emotional and ethical reasoning further aid in understanding the nuances of family dynamics, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed practices, ensuring thoughtful and compassionate decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Current Certification as a Child Welfare Professional – preferred

Responsibilities

• Promoting the Level 1 Program and the importance of relative placements through training sessions and community presentations
• Completing family assessments through the home study process, licensure and re-licensure of caregivers’ homes.
• Provide and locate ongoing support services for Relative/Non-Relative Caregiver families regardless of cases status (active or closed).
• Develop ongoing resources for Relative/Non-Relative Caregivers and make them accessible both electronically and manually.
• Follow-up support on initial placements and assist Child Welfare Case Managers, as needed, to ensure placement recommendations are completed.
• Attend appropriate staffings in order to advocate for the best interest of the children served.
• Track and log all appropriate information for monthly reports.
• Traveling throughout Circuit 13.
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level