What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Care Licensing Specialist position at Child Link?
As a Foster Care Licensing Representative, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children needing foster care. You will be responsible for assessing and approving potential foster homes, conducting home visits, and guiding prospective foster parents through licensing. In addition, you will provide ongoing support and training to licensed foster families, helping them navigate the challenges and triumphs of fostering. As a Licensing Rep at Child Link, you will provide immediate support to foster care regarding the placement of youth, investigating complaints, and initiating/completing investigations.
Qualifications: Master's Degree from an Accredited School of Social Work preferred or an equivalent human services area. At Least two years' experience in Child Welfare case management and foster care. Must Pass the required DCFS tests for the Child Care Act, Licensing Standards, and the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol. This includes obtaining a 402 License.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough assessments of potential foster homes to ensure they meet the established licensing standards.
- Guide and support prospective foster parents throughout the licensing process, including completing necessary paperwork and attending training sessions
- Conduct home visits to assess the safety and suitability of foster homes, providing recommendations for improvement if needed
- Collaborate with internal teams, such as case managers, to ensure effective coordination of services for foster families and children
- Provide ongoing support, training, and resources to licensed foster families, helping them address any challenges they may encounter
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all interactions and licensing processes
- Stay updated on relevant policies, regulations, and best practices in foster care to ensure compliance and provide informed guidance.
- other duties as assigned by the Director of Foster Care.
Key Responsabilities:
- Provide mentoring and guidance to workers in case assessment, case planning, service provision, resource identification and acquisition, and permanency outcomes.
- Assures the completion of all required paperwork such as 906's, home visit reports, and home visits in a timely fashion.
- Attends required agency and DCFS training, including "Train the Trainers" courses in order to help teach required skills to others in the agency. Is responsible for own professional growth.
- Provide professional role model to all line staff by adhering to all agency policies and procedures. Works cooperatively as a full team member in the assigned program, and in the agency