Foster Care Licensing Specialist

The Licensing Specialist implements family centered practice by assuring that relative, kin, foster, and adoptive resource families are licensed to provide care for children in accordance with state regulations.

• Engages and assesses prospective resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families for licensure.
• Conducts and documents assessments and licensing requirements per DCF guidelines for resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families.
• Coordinates TIPS-MAPP and Deciding Together preparation for prospective resource families.
• Provides training regarding resource (kinship, foster and adoptive) care as needed.
• Assures that conferences and related activities are conducted within standards.
• Completes and distributes written documentation accurately and timely.
• Liaison with DCF, community resources, and families
• Participates in team meetings
• Facilitates conferences and/or assists staff in conducting conferences and related activities.
• Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies, and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms.
• Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels.
• Ensures clients’ rights are protected. Makes sure all clients have received their rights and maintains a signed copy in each file.
• Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.

• Preferred Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling, from an accredited college or university.
• Preferred First Aid/CPR (preferred).
• Preferred TIPS-MAPP leader (preferred).
• PS – Deciding Together leader (preferred).
• Two years’ experience working with children and families.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must pass a drug screen, MVR, KBI and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Clearance check.
• Lifting Requirements of 30-50 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Mandated reporter.
• Understanding of the state regulations for licensed foster homes.
• Understanding of the child welfare and state system.
• Understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel though out the State.
• Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.
• Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure.
• Organizational skills.
• Clerical skills including filing and typing.
• Computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Must be a team player.
• Handles multiple priorities.
• Manages stress appropriately.
• Works alone effectively.
• Works near others and/or in a distracting environment.
• Understands & practices Universal Precautions.