Licensed Specialist - Foster Care Homes

Saint Francis Ministries•Garden City, KS

About The Position

The Licensing Specialist guides families through all aspects of the licensing process including PS-MAPP, DT training, licensing, and informal care. This role engages and assesses prospective resource families (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) for the placement of children. The specialist conducts and documents assessments and licensing requirements per DCF and KDHE guidelines, coordinates PS-MAPP and Deciding Together preparation, and completes annual reassessments. They also provide training on resource care, ensure conferences meet standards, and efficiently navigate the licensing process. Collaboration with recruiters, FCH workers, supervisors, and KDHE surveyors is key to making determinations and resolving licensing issues. The role involves ensuring successful PS-MAPP classes by coordinating instructors, venues, and paperwork, and providing timely follow-up and document submission. Immediate initiation and encouragement for informal care referrals are also responsibilities, working in tandem with FCH workers until KDHE issues a full license. The specialist must complete and distribute written documentation accurately and timely, act as a liaison with DCF, courts, community resources, and families, and provide case management services according to compliance guidelines. Participation in team meetings, implementation of SFM policies, adherence to SOPs, rules, personnel policies, accreditation standards, and federal, state, and local regulations are required. Safety procedures must be followed, unusual incidents reported, and clients' rights protected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or master’s degree in social work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling, from an accredited college or university.
Licensed to practice in the State of Kansas.
PS-MAPP leader.
PS-Deciding Together leader.
Two years’ experience working with children and families.
Must be 21 years of age.
Must pass a drug screen, KBI and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Clearance check.
FBI fingerprint check if relocated to KS in the last 5 years.
Lifting Requirements of 30-50 lbs.
Must have a valid KS driver’s license, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Engages and assesses prospective resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families for placement of children.
Conducts and documents assessments and licensing requirements per DCF and KDHE guidelines for resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families.
Coordinates PS-MAPP and Deciding Together preparation for prospective resource families.
Completes annual reassessment and licensing requirements for resource families.
Provides training regarding resource (kinship, foster and adoptive) care as needed.
Assures that conferences and related activities are conducted within standards.
Timely and efficient navigation of licensing process with family during initial licensing phase.
Coordinates licensing process with recruiter, FCH worker and FCH supervisor.
Completion of comprehensive assessment and recommendations of family’s abilities to meet the needs of children in care.
Develop partnerships with KDHE surveyors and SFM Project & Compliance coordinator in making determinations and achieving resolutions regarding licensing issues.
Coordinate PS-MAPP and DT trainings in accordance with recruiter, FCH worker, FCH supervisor and FCH Compliance Technician.
Ensure all needed facets are in place for successful PS-MAPP class including but not limited to instructors, venue, all required paperwork, etc.
Timely follow up with PS-MAPP participants to guide them through the licensing process.
Prompt completion and submission of all required PS-MAPP documents to Children’s Alliance via FCH Compliance Technician.
Immediate initiation of process with informal care referrals received from FCR.
Encourage family and maintain compliance throughout the informal care referrals received from FCR.
Work in tandem with FCH worker as family goes through the informal care process until KDHE issues full license.
Completes and distributes written documentation accurately and timely.
Liaison with DCF, the courts, community resources, and families.
Provides case management services according to compliance guidelines.
Participates in team meetings.
Implements SFM policies and follows directives as required.
Follows and adheres to all pertinent SFM Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies, and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state, and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms.
Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.
Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels.
Ensures clients’ rights are protected.