Licensing Foster Care Specialist

SUMMARY

The Foster Care Specialist provides the supports required to stabilize foster care placements and assist foster families in navigating the child welfare system while caring for children placed in their homes. The Foster Care Specialist works with case management, collaborates with the child’s team, and maintains licensure for the foster home.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides support and consultation services to foster and adoptive families.
• Maintains a positive and collaborative relationship with the child’s placing agency.
• Monitors home for compliance with contract and state regulations.
• Assists in placement of foster care youth.
• Participates in the Child Family Team (CFT) meetings, attends court with the family, and participates in Team Decision Meetings.
• Facilitates licensing inquiries in the foster homes and monitors Corrective Action compliance.
• Assists families with training requirements.
• Conducts in-person home visits per contract and foster care rule requirements.
• Maintains family licensing records in appropriate state and agency databases according to contract, HRT policy, and rule requirements.
• Provides crisis management.
• Submits renewal license applications prior to expiration.
• Submits license amendments, as needed.
• Writes adoption conversion home studies, as needed.
• Rotates on call services with other staff members.
• Attends training and events as requested by supervisor or other member of the management team.

$21.00 to $22.00 hourly pay rate

OTHER DUTIES

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Potential exposure to contagious diseases due to frequent interaction with clientele.

TRAVEL

• 50% throughout the county assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field.
  • If no degree, must have two years’ experience with child welfare, human services and/or families.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid unrestricted Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Minimum age requirement is 21 per contract.
• Must meet the requirements to be a safe driver. 
• Must possess a current Arizona State Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years. 
• Must have personal vehicle liability insurance and vehicle registration as required.
• Must be able to pass a DCS Clearance with no substantiated reports.
• When required, the ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, and if requested a physical exam.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
• Strong knowledge of overall company operations and policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of the Arizona Foster Care licensing rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to instruct parents regarding child development, family dynamics, Arizona’s child welfare system and behavioral health services.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• None.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• None.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Language Skills

Ability to respond effectively displaying professionalism, sensitivity, and empathy to linguistic, cultural, social, economic, and individual differences and challenges. Ability to write and maintain accurate and timely documentation. Ability to present information 1:1 and to groups in an organized and concise manner.

• Ability to Multi-Task

Must be able to work independently as well as a member of a team. Must have excellent organizational and time management skills. Must remain flexible and able to handle multiple priorities with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.

• Reasoning Ability

Ability to quickly assess unique situations and develop and apply strategies to effectively meet the needs of the child and family. Ability to interpret contracts and ensure compliance. Ability to provide exemplary service to employees and outside constituents.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to maintain ethical standards and professional boundaries.
• Adhere to HIPAA and confidentiality standards.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to educate and support foster families with trauma-informed behavior management techniques.
• Strong knowledge of overall company operations and policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of program development.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally.
• Ability to identify needs and articulate and advocate on behalf of the child.
• Ability to identify indicators of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Ability to build and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service to all employees and outside constituents.
• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities, with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.