Position Summary:
The Foster Home Licensing Specialist is responsible for evaluating prospective foster families, maintaining case management responsibilities for licensed foster homes, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, licensing, and contractual requirements. This position manages a caseload of foster home licensing cases, including initial evaluations, ongoing supervision of licensed homes, and licensing complaints (special evaluations) as assigned. The Licensing Specialist also participates in foster parent recruitment, retention activities, and training efforts to support the agency’s mission of providing safe and appropriate homes for children.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human behavioral science, education, or related field
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Experience working in a professional setting with youth and families strongly preferred
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing demands with strict timelines
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
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Critical thinking, sound judgment, and ability to make complex decisions focused on child safety and well-being
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Ability to handle stress and adapt to changing circumstances
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Strong clinical observation and assessment skills
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Knowledge of child welfare practices and community resources
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Commitment to the preparation, training, and support of foster families
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Direct Service / Program Responsibilities
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Assess and evaluate prospective foster families using DHHS-approved documents, policies, and procedures, and recommend issuance or denial of foster home licenses
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Identify barriers to successful completion of the licensing process and provide guidance to address those barriers
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Determine training needs of prospective foster families and ensure completion of required training
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Maintain monthly contact with licensed and prospective families, providing support, education, and guidance throughout the licensing process and ongoing foster care experience
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Complete all initial, annual, and renewal licensing assessments within required timeframes
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Conduct licensing complaint investigations (special evaluations) and make recommendations regarding licensing status and corrective action plans
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Complete relative caregiver placement assessments as assigned to support foster care program needs
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Carry a full-time caseload of up to 30 licensing cases
Recruitment and Training Responsibilities
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Actively participate in the development and implementation of the agency’s recruitment and retention plan
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Participate in recruitment events, including those held during evenings and weekends
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Plan and conduct foster parent orientation meetings and training sessions as needed
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Develop and implement family-specific training plans when appropriate
Compliance and Documentation
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Maintain compliance with State of Michigan licensing policies, regulations, and timelines
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in CWLM and paper files
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Assist families in gathering and completing required licensing documentation
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Conduct periodic audits of licensing records and files
Collaboration and Communication
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Maintain effective working relationships with DHHS, DCWL, licensing consultants, community partners, and agency staff
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Collaborate with Foster Care and State Adoption programs to support placement and licensing needs
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Participate in placement intake processes as assigned, including managing placement inquiries and coordinating responses
Administrative Responsibilities
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Participate in a 24-hour on-call rotation as required
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Attend agency staff meetings and program-related meetings
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Participate in agency trainings and professional development activities
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Maintain an up-to-date personnel file as directed by Human Resources
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Maintain regular and predictable attendance
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Perform additional duties as assigned to support program and agency operations
Training Requirements:
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Completion of certification training and special evaluation training provided by DCWL within the first six months of employment
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Completion of all agency-mandated orientation and ongoing training requirements
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Ongoing professional development of a minimum of 32 hours per year, or as required by contract or licensing standards
Work Environment and Schedule:
This position requires a combination of in-office, remote, and community-based work, including in-home services. Significant travel is required. Work may occur during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends. Participation in an on-call rotation is required. Remote work may be available after the initial training period of six months, depending on program and agency needs.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to:
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Operate a motor vehicle and transport children as needed
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Install car seats and safely place children in them
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Navigate homes and community environments, including climbing stairs, bending, and crouching
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Sit, stand, and move for extended periods
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Utilize standard office equipment and computer systems
Legal and Employment Requirements:
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Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and provide proof of automobile insurance
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Must not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire
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Must not be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect
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Must comply with all background check and licensing requirements applicable to the position
Commitment to Mission and Values:
The Foster Home Licensing Specialist will follow and uphold the agency’s Vision and Mission Statement, including its commitment to inclusion, diversity, and strength-based services.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Hands Across The Water does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, height, weight, familial or marital status, mental or physical ability, socioeconomic status, military service obligation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
