Transitional Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Requisition #: req10251

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

This position is offering a $1,500 signing bonus.*

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

The UC TFC or LTFC Licensing Specialist is primarily responsible for training and licensing foster homes intended to work with Unaccompanied Children in Transitional or Long Term Foster Care (TFC or LTFC). This individual will also be responsible for coordinating foster care placements, while also overseeing foster care parent orientation and training, retention and advocacy, and become involved in community foster parent coalitions, or relevant groups which promote sustainability in foster care placements.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• License foster homes, to include conducting trainings and monitoring training progress of homes;
• Re-license homes, complete annual evaluations, coordinate transfers, relocations and closures of foster homes;
• Conduct post-placement follow-up on foster homes;
• Work with the assigned case manager and supervisors at the respective site;
• Maintain current available homes and on-call list for future referrals;
• Coordinate placement plans with foster care supervisor when Bethany has a potential resource;
• Coordinate the functions of the respite program and facilitate substitute care in accordance with state and contract policy, when needed;
• Conduct the orientation pre-service training for foster home requirements;
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going foster parent training programs;
• Serve as a consultant to case managers regarding foster home issues or problems;
• Participate in foster parent activities and meetings;
• Assist in coordinating special events, such as but not limited to the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner;
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as a handbook, brochures, and other informational material;
• Attend area coalition meetings;
• Plan and participate in the annual Foster/Adopt conferences;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review ongoing foster home issues to ensure families’ needs are met;
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of foster families;
• Investigate complaints on foster homes and work cooperatively with law enforcement and child protective services, as needed;
• Participate in 24 hour on-call schedule rotation when needed;
• Promptly respond to emergency placement needs outside of normal business hours;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare, a plus;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, required;
• Demonstrated ability with clinical, interviewing, perceptual, diagnostic and family assessment skills;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the state of the work location;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Cultural Diversity Commitment.

• Note: Internal candidates do not qualify for sign-on bonuses.

We value and embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; our culture is strengthened and our workplace is more dynamic. We are a global organization with multicultural staff, clients and stakeholders, so we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. More work remains, but we are deeply committed to honestly acknowledging and addressing the impacts of race and racism throughout the organization. This work can be uncomfortable and even painful, but we believe that the greatest challenges bear the greatest rewards.