Foster Licensing Specialist II

In accordance with the agency’s mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of Michigan licensing and COA standards, the Foster Home Licensing Specialist II is responsible for the development, training, and retaining of foster parents.

• Coordinates and provides orientation training and pre-service training to prospective foster families.
• Completes all licensing certification and initial home study evaluations on all newly recruited foster families that meet MDHHS/DCWL requirements and policy for the licensing of new homes.
• Accesses the effectiveness of foster families on an ongoing basis and collaborates with the Foster Care Specialists and Program Manager.
• Encourages proper care of the children placed in foster homes in accordance with licensing rules and DCWL/agency policies.
• Ensures foster families are offered individual or group training on a regular basis to sustain the children in the home.
• Facilitates monthly foster parent training incorporating COA and licensing standards within the Foster Parent Coalition.
• Present the ongoing ability to meet deadlines and additional assignments simultaneously as required.
• Complete annual and renewal licensing assessments for all foster care families on time as mandated by DCWL.
• Ensure all documents are safely stored, filed, and updated on an ongoing basis for all youth.
• Carry full foster home licensing caseloads assigned with the ability to meet the needs of homes assigned, which includes timely communication with foster parents and affiliated professionals.
• Maintain proper use of company equipment to meet business ongoing needs.
• Investigates complaints as assigned on all foster homes relative to the care of the youth per licensing rules, for foster families, and the child protection law.
• Completes all investigations in a timely manner as required per policies and procedures and DCWL.
• Monitors and assists foster parents with being complaint with all corrective action plans.
• Works professionally and collaboratively with Vista Maria staff and representatives of other agencies with the mission of providing a high standard of service to youth in foster care on an ongoing basis.
• Participates and represents the agency in recruitment, agency training events, medical/dental fairs, foster parent parties and support groups that may occur during weekends, evenings, or holiday seasons.
• Maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the foster parent community which may include evenings, weekends, and on-call rotation.
• Plans and organizes work to meet all job requirements according to agency policies, and COA standards etc.
• Performs all other duties as required or requested.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of social work, and social service administration.
• Ability to professionally observe, recognize, analyze, and report on individuals' behavioral, attitudinal emotional and social problems, and the ability to develop a plan of action for resolution.
• Ability to meet work goals and tasks professionally.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field and to use team resources to enhance performance.
• Ability to utilize trauma informed care to assess youth mental health symptoms and service needs.
• Ability to be flexible in prioritizing a changing system.
• Demonstrated personal integrity and professional demeanor in accordance with the ethics of the agency and profession.
• Ability to work cooperatively and in collaboration to establish rapport with Vista Maria staff and representatives of other agencies, foster care families, planning family etc.
• Demonstrated skills in organization, priority/time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively in a culturally diverse environment and to deal effectively with various levels of Vista Maria personnel, outside customers, and community groups.
• Demonstrated computer literacy skills at least in Word programs.

None.

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in the Human Service field.
• Two (2) years of experience in foster care, adoption, or foster home licensing.
• Valid driver’s license without relevant restrictions.