Licensing Specialist (Foster Care) - Orange/Osceola

Family Partnerships of Central Florida•Maitland, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensing Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for prospective foster parents and is responsible for the timely and thorough completion of foster home studies in accordance with Florida Administrative Code. This role evaluates applications and provides recommendations for the approval or denial of licenses. The specialist also assesses incident reports and licensing concerns related to potential foster homes, offering recommendations for appropriate resolution. Under the guidance of the Licensing Supervisor, the Licensing Coordinator is responsible for collecting, organizing, monitoring, and distributing documentation to ensure quality management standards are met. This position supports the successful progression through the various levels of initial licensure for foster care applicants, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Requirements

An associate degree from an accredited college or 60+ college credits from an accredited college AND two years of full-time social work or human services experience or two years of professional work experience.
Examples of work experience could be, but are not limited to: a. Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role b. Family Support Worker c. Group Home Staff d. Teacher’s assistant/aide e. Childcare provider/staff f. Therapeutic Assistant g. Behavioral health technician h. Family intervention specialist i. Home health aide j. Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession k. Nursing facility assistance l. Emergency Medical Services (EMS m. Other professional jobs that require an assessment of factors that can contribute to trauma or protective capacities with children and families.
A high school diploma or GED equivalent (official transcripts required) AND four or more years of full time social work or human services experience.
Ability to understand and interpret statute, administrative code and operating procedure.
Strong computer, analytic and research skills.
Effective verbal and written skills.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to develop and utilize tracking mechanisms.
Ability to analyze, integrate and report data.
Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence & sensitivity to population served.
Ability to travel.
Thorough Background Screening upon hire including FBI, FDLE, Local Law check, Employment Reference check, DMV check, Criminal Records check, Social Security Trace & Drug Screening.
FDLE check will be run at least every 5 years.
On-call assignments.
Analyzing (N)
Finger Movements (N)
Handling Objects (N)
Reading & Comprehending (N)
Reasoning (N)
Writing (N)

Nice To Haves

Baccalaureate degree, preferably in a social work or related area of study from an accredited college or university. (Related degrees are Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Special Education, Education, Human Development, Child Development, Family Development, Marriage and Family Therapy although other degrees can apply)
Knowledge of state SACWIS/CCWIS systems; FSFN
Knowledge of the current System of Care Florida Child Welfare Certification
Bending-neck (P)
Bending-waist (P)
Calculations (P)
Carrying/Lifting (P)
Climbing (P)
Crawling/Crouching (P)
Kneeling (P)
Pushing/Pulling (P)
Reaching (P)
Sitting (P)
Squatting (P)
Standing (P)
Twisting-neck (P)
Twisting-waist (P)
Walking (P)

Responsibilities

Completes initial and re-licensure home studies inclusive of the assessment and evaluation of all household members and babysitters, background screening and quarterly abuse report histories.
Provides regular and ongoing home visits to family foster homes throughout the initial licensure process.
Conducts ongoing assessments to determine capacity as indicated based on family skills, training, household composition, physical space and other determining factors.
Serves as a Liaison between foster parents and case managers ensuring open communication and timely resolution of any identified concerns when applicable.
Applies mission, vision and values of lead agency in day-to-day duties.
Assists the Licensing Supervisors with problem resolution and continuing quality improvement.
Assists peer Licensing Specialists with the monitoring and approval of data collection, regulatory and eligibility activities, as needed.
Conducts licensing file packet review for processing and issuance of license by DCF.
Participates in Placement Support Staffings and make recommendations about foster parent needs/supports related to children in their home in order to stabilize the placement.
Ensures licensing packets for caregivers meet code requirements, licensing expiration and DCF submission requirements.
Participates in DCF licensing reviews and other applicable monitoring such as FPOCF Federal funding monitoring reviews.
Participates in creation and annual reviews of Unit Policy and Procedure Manuals to ensure all policy and procedures reflect current state, federal and system of care requirements.
Participates in the agency strategic plan & quality improvement processes.
Ability to safely & successfully perform essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, & other federal, state, & local standards, including meeting qualitative & quantitative productivity standards.
Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA & other federal, state, & local standards.
Ability to comply with all personnel policies & procedures.
Other duties as required: Job performance requires fulfilling other incidental or related duties as assigned, assisting and training others, and performing duties of higher rated positions from time to time for developmental purposes.
Provide excellent customer service by being professional and respectful in all interactions each and every day.
Be timely and responsive in their communication with others.