What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Care Licensing Specialist position at Applewood Centers?
The Foster Care Licensing Specialist, under the administrative/clinical supervision of the Clinical Supervisor of Foster Care is responsible for recruiting, assessing, training, and licensing foster homes according to state regulations and agency policies. The Foster Care Licensing Specialist ensures that prospective and current foster families meet all legal and safety requirements to provide care for children in the foster care system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Recruit potential foster parents through community outreach, events and marketing efforts.
- Conduct home studies and assessments to evaluate the suitability of applicants.
- Facilitate and lead pre-service training for foster parent applicants.
- Track foster parent training hours.
- Guide families through the licensing process, providing support and resources.
- Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and up to date
- Conduct regular home visits and annual re-assessments for licensed foster homes.
- Monitor compliance with state regulations and licensing standards
- Support foster families with licensing-related needs, renewals, and corrective action plans when necessary.
- Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, and external agencies to promote safe placements.
- Maintain thorough and organized case files and documentation within agency databases.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and on-going training.
- All required trainings, certifications and licensure must be kept current in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
- Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or related field required.
- Licensure: Valid Ohio LPC, LSW or LMFT preferred.
- Competency/Skills:
- Knowledge of state foster care regulations and licensing standards
- Independent Judgment: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
- Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
- Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
- Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; Applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognizes problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions.
- Experience: Previous experience in child welfare, foster care, or licensing preferred
- Other: Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriting criteria of the Agency’s insurance company. Must be approved by Applewood to transport clients in own vehicle. This position may require occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel for home visits and community outreach.
Applewood Centers, Inc. (“Applewood”) is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services and education to children, adolescents and families living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Dedicated to addressing a variety of behavioral, emotional and learning problems, we provide a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment. Applewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applewood’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applewood also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
