Foster Care Licensing Specialist, Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Foster Care Licensing Specialist, Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Requisition #: req16279

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hrs/week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families providethe strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our 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.

The UC TFC Licensing Specialist is primarily responsible for licensing foster homes intended to work with Unaccompanied Children in Transitional Foster Care (TFC). This individual will also be responsible for coordinating TFC foster care placements, while also overseeing foster care parent orientation and training, retention and advocacy, and become involved in community foster parent coalitions, or relevant groups which promote sustainability in TFC placements.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• License foster homes, to include conducting trainings and monitoring training progress of homes;
• Re-license homes, complete annual evaluations, coordinate transfers, relocations and closures of foster homes;
• Conduct post-placement follow-up on foster homes;
• Work with the assigned case manager and supervisors at the respective site;
• Maintain current available homes and on-call list for future referrals;
• Coordinate placement plans with foster care supervisor when Bethany has a potential resource;
• Coordinate the functions of the respite program and facilitate substitute care in accordance with state and contract policy, when needed;
• Conduct the orientation pre-service training for foster home requirements;
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going foster parent training programs;
• Serve as a consultant to case managers regarding foster home issues or problems;
• Participate in foster parent activities and meetings;
• Assist in coordinating special events, such as but not limited to the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner;
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as a handbook, brochures, and other informational material;
• Attend area coalition meetings;
• Plan and participate in the annual Foster/Adopt conferences;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review ongoing foster home issues to ensure families’ needs are met;
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of foster families;
• Investigate complaints on foster homes and work cooperatively with law enforcement and child protective services, as needed;
• Participate in 24 hour on-call schedule rotation when needed;
• Promptly respond to emergency placement needs outside of normal business hours;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare, a plus;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required;
• Demonstrated ability with clinical, interviewing, perceptual, diagnostic and family assessment skills;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the state of the work location;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases (including COVID-19) or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seeking an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

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