What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensing Specialist position at Bethany Christian Services?
Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.
Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Licensing Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.
How Your Role Makes a Difference
Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Licensing Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.
How Your Role Makes a Difference
- Process intake screenings for prospective foster parents
- Assist in developing and implementing innovative recruitment strategies for foster parents, including minority foster parents
- Develop and coordinate an efficient and informative orientation for prospective foster parents
- Work closely with prospective foster parents throughout initial screening and licensing processes
- Monitor relicensing of foster homes within refugee services
- Review referral information to ensure appropriate out-of-home placements and coordinate with foster care staff and supervisors as needed
- Review and audit foster home files to ensure compliance with licensing requirements
- Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and supervisors regarding foster home and community activities
- Ensure foster home licensing, recruitment, and placement practices comply with state and federal regulations
- Inform caseworkers on licensing and placement regulations
- Communicate rule violations to caseworkers and foster parents in a timely manner and support corrective action through special evaluations
- Assist Training and Development Coordinator and Recruitment Specialist with activities including annual recognition events and foster parent retention efforts
- Essential job responsibilities may vary based on program or department needs
- May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany-sponsored event
- Complete other duties as assigned
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited college
- Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare preferred
- Demonstrated interviewing, placement, diagnostic, and family assessment skills
- Ability to relate well and collaborate effectively with others
- Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the State of Michigan
- Ability to work independently with high initiative
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service
- Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany
- Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage
- Must 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 Commitment to Unity
- Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
- Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
- Low-cost health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
- Matching 403B retirement contributions
- Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
- Education reimbursement for a master’s degree program in human services
- Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
- Employee-covered long-term disability and term life insurance