Position Summary
Agape for Youth, Inc. is seeking a mission-driven and detail-oriented Lead Licensing, Compliance & Training Specialist to support and coordinate foster care licensing, compliance, and foster parent training operations.
This position serves as the primary operational lead within the Licensing, Compliance & Intake Department and works closely with the Licensing, Compliance & Intake Manager to ensure foster and adoptive homes remain licensed, compliant, trained, and prepared to provide safe and nurturing care for children.
The Lead Specialist coordinates licensing activities, training programs, compliance tracking, recertification processes, and placement support while providing guidance and technical support to departmental staff. This role is ideal for a highly organized professional who is passionate about child welfare, enjoys building systems and processes, and thrives in a collaborative environment.
About Agape for Youth
Agape for Youth, Inc. is a private nonprofit child welfare agency dedicated to strengthening families, supporting foster parents, and creating brighter futures for children and young adults. Through foster care, adoption, family stabilization, and independent living services, Agape works to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and loving environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Licensing & Certification Support
- Coordinate foster and adoptive home licensing activities from inquiry through approval.
- Assist with completion and review of licensing documentation and home study requirements.
- Monitor licensing timelines, deadlines, and certification requirements.
- Support foster home recertification processes and ongoing compliance activities.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and audit-ready licensing files.
- Assist with transfer licensing and coordination with other agencies as needed.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Support agency compliance with Ohio Department of Children and Youth regulations and agency policies.
- Conduct routine file reviews and compliance checks.
- Track corrective actions and assist with follow-up activities.
- Monitor background checks, registry clearances, and required documentation.
- Prepare records and documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and reviews.
- Stay informed of regulatory changes and assist with implementation of updated requirements.
Training Program Leadership
- Coordinate all foster parent training activities and schedules.
- Maintain the agency training calendar.
- Schedule trainers, facilities, and virtual training platforms.
- Track foster parent training compliance and continuing education requirements.
- Maintain training records and attendance documentation.
- Manage training billing, invoices, and reimbursement processes.
- Assist with curriculum updates and training development projects.
Training Facilitation
- Facilitate pre-service and ongoing foster parent training sessions.
- Assist with development and delivery of specialized trainings.
- Support continuing education opportunities for foster parents and staff.
- Promote engagement and participation in agency training programs.
Team Leadership & Support
- Provide day-to-day guidance and support to Licensing Specialists and Training Specialists.
- Assist with onboarding and training of new departmental staff.
- Monitor workflow, deadlines, and departmental priorities.
- Serve as a resource regarding licensing, compliance, and training requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency efforts.
Intake & Placement Support
- Assist with referral intake and placement coordination activities.
- Support matching licensed foster homes with placement opportunities.
- Communicate with foster families regarding placement inquiries and readiness.
- Maintain accurate referral and placement documentation.
- Assist with after-hours placement support as assigned.
Data & Reporting
- Maintain licensing, training, compliance, and referral databases.
- Track key departmental metrics and compliance indicators.
- Assist in preparing reports for leadership, board members, and regulatory agencies.
- Support data integrity and quality assurance efforts.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in social services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, or a related field.
- Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally.
Preferred
- Active Ohio licensure (LSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC).
- ODJFS Adoption Assessor training completed or willingness to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Experience in foster care licensing, compliance, or training.
- Experience facilitating training or working with adult learners.
- Experience with SACWIS or similar child welfare databases.
- Supervisory, lead, or team coordination experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of child welfare and foster care practices.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Ability to build positive relationships with foster families, staff, and community partners.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and family-centered practice.
Why Join Agape?
- Meaningful work that directly impacts children and families.
- Supportive and mission-focused team environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Ongoing training and continuing education opportunities.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Opportunity to help shape and improve child welfare services in our community.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and drive for extended periods.
- Ability to conduct home visits and attend community meetings.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.
Professional Expectations
- Demonstrate commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Agape for Youth, Inc.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
- Complete required professional development and continuing education requirements.
- Participate in agency meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support agency operations and growth.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Agape for Youth, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and those we serve.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
