Foster Care and Licensing Specialist

Position Title: Foster Care and Licensing Specialist (Dual Role) Reports To: Licensing and Fund Development Program Manager and Foster Care Supervisor Position Summary The Foster Care and Licensing Specialist provides dual support to the agency’s foster care and licensing programs. In the Licensing role, this position recruits, trains, and licenses foster homes, ensuring compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and state policy requirements. In the Foster Care role, this position carries a small caseload of no more than three (3) foster care cases, providing case management and support to children and families to promote safety, stability, and permanency. This position plays a vital role in strengthening the agency’s capacity to recruit and retain quality foster families while ensuring high standards of service delivery in both foster care and licensing. General Responsibilities Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times. Uphold agency values of respect, integrity, cultural humility, and familycentered practice. Participate in required trainings, supervision, and professional development. Maintain flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet family and program needs. Licensing Responsibilities Develop and maintain contacts with community and faithbased organizations to increase awareness of foster parenting needs. Plan and conduct orientation meetings and preservice training for prospective foster parents. Complete initial home studies for new foster parent applicants in accordance with state timelines and policy. Conduct annual and renewal licensing assessments and process licensing actions related to household changes. Investigate complaints against licensed foster homes thoroughly and in compliance with state requirements. Attend licensing coalition meetings and other professional forums. Ensure foster parents meet annual training requirements and remain compliant with licensing rules. Maintain accurate and timely licensing documentation in accordance with DHHS and DCWL standards. Participate in foster parent recruitment events and support retention strategies. Other duties as assigned. Foster Care Responsibilities Manage a caseload of no more than three (3) foster care cases at any time. Complete assessments, treatment plans, and service agreements for youth and families. Conduct required facetoface home visits with children, parents, and foster families. Monitor child safety, placement stability, and progress toward permanency goals. Coordinate services and make appropriate referrals for children and families. Attend court hearings, DHHS staffings, family team meetings, and other caserelated meetings. Prepare and submit all required reports (court, DHHS, quarterly assessments) within mandated timelines. Ensure compliance with DHHS policies, DCWL rules, and agency requirements. Provide afterhours and weekend support on a rotating basis, as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related behavioral science field. Experience and Skills: Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision. Ability to engage and support families, including managing resistance, stress, or crisis situations. Experience working collaboratively with courts, MDHHS, and community partners. Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problemsolving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems. Other Requirements: Successful completion of criminal/abuse and sex offender registry checks. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation. Flexible schedule with availability for evenings and weekends as needed. Working Conditions Work performed in agency offices, client homes, foster homes, courts, and community settings. Requires frequent travel across assigned counties. Occasional lifting of program materials (up to 20 lbs). Exposure to diverse home environments and potential highstress situations.