Foster Care Licensing Supervisor

MCHS is seeking a well rounded Licensing Specialist dedicated to serving families that provide homes for the children in our care. The ideal candidate is a team player and a self-starter. The Licensing Specialist has a strong will and desire to work in both big and small teams to help make MCHS the premier treatment facility in southeastern Michigan!

JOB SUMMARY

The Foster Care Licensing Specialist acts as an advocate for the agency’s foster parents and is responsible for the recruitment, certification, licensing, supervision and retention of foster homes for the agency’s Foster Care program; oversees and conducts foster parent orientation and training; conducts home evaluations and annual reassessments; and works closely with foster care staff in maintaining licensing standards.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To be successful a Foster Care Licensing Specialist must be able to do the following always:

• Assess the ability of potential foster families to provide care to children and their ability to maintain compliance with foster home licensing rules; complete initial, annual, and renewal evaluations of prospective and currently licensed foster homes; investigate complaints that relate to the care of children in the foster home to ensure the home maintains compliance with licensing regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in the recruitment and development of families to take on children by providing initial orientation and ongoing training to prospective and current foster and adoptive parents.
• Formulate case plans, write case reports, compete required legal documentation, and maintain case records within agency and DHS time frames and requirements; perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, and maintaining files as necessary.
• Represent the agency in court, accurately testify to the progress of cases; attend all required hearings and meetings pursuant to cases, clients, children, and families; make assessments and recommendations based on the best interest of the child.
• Operate within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook, program’s Operations Manual, and DHS Policies and Procedures.

BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or a related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned town the degree are in human behavioral sciences with one (1) to three (3) years’ experience in a social services agency.
• Foster Care Licensing certification.
• Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training preferred.
• Certified PRIDE trainer preferred.

The Knowledge of:

• Computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, etc.).
• Principles and practices of casework, involving analysis of the physical, psychological and social factors contributing to maladjustment.
• Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Foster home recruitment and retention processes.
• Michigan Department of Human Services policies and procedures.
• Family and child dynamics.

The Skills and Ability to:

• Accurately assess children and adults.
• Complete in-home licensing inspections which includes walk through of the home and inspections for licensing compliance and safety.
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Attend training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses.
• Maintain a Michigan driver’s license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.

A current resume and cover letter must be included as part of your online application.

Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V