Licensing Specialist

Job Summary

The Foster Care Intake Coordinator & Licensing Specialist is a dual-role position that supports both the placement of children into foster homes and the licensing and renewal of foster families. This position plays a critical role in ensuring children are matched with safe, stable, and nurturing homes, while also maintaining compliance with Nebraska state licensing regulations. This position contributes to a strong network of foster families by facilitating quality placements, overseeing respite care coordination, and providing guidance throughout the licensing process.

Duties/Responsibilities

Intake & Placement Coordination:

• Receive and process child placement referrals from the Department of Health and Human Services and Juvenile Probation.
• Match children with appropriate licensed foster homes based on child-specific needs, foster parent capacity, availability, and compatibility.
• Coordinate placement logistics, including transportation, services, support, and communication with involved parties.
• Provide foster parents with comprehensive information about the child and offer support during the intake transition.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of placements and ensure all documentation is compliant with agency and state policies.
• Organize and coordinate respite care for youth and foster parents by collaborating with foster parents, foster care specialists, respite providers, and licensing staff.

Licensing & Compliance:

• Guide prospective foster families throughout the licensing process, including background checks, training, home studies, updates, and renewals.
• Conduct home visits and assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with Nebraska’s foster care licensing standards.
• Maintain detailed and current licensing records for all certified foster homes.
• Complete annual re-licensure reviews and monitor foster home performance and safety.
• Assign kinship and relative home studies to licensing specialists, track due dates, and report progress to relevant staff and supervisors.

Collaboration & Problem Solving:

• Collaborate with caseworkers, state agencies, internal staff and administration to ensure seamless coordination of placements and licensing.
• Remain current on state licensing regulations, provider contracts, and agency policies.
• Assist in resolving licensing concerns and placement challenges promptly with professionalism and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Support recruitment and retention of foster families through responsive communication and a commitment to quality care.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of Nebraska DHHS regulations regarding foster care and licensing.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel as needed for home visits, training, and placement needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a closely related field (required).
• Minimum of two years of experience in child welfare, foster care, or related field.

Work and Physical Environment

• In-office and remote setting with frequent travel to foster homes and community locations.
• Daily travel may expose workers to outdoor weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.