Licensing Specialist, Foster Homes

Foster Home Licensing Specialist – Grand Rapids Metro Area

Salary: $43,888 annually

Location: Grand Rapids, MI Metro Area

We’re seeking a Foster Home Licensing Specialist (Social Worker) who will play a vital role in building safe, nurturing environments for children in need.

• Coordinate and lead recruitment, training, and licensing of foster homes.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Investigate and support foster families to create positive outcomes for children.
• Devise, implement, and evaluate strategies and recruitment plans to assure adequate foster homes in accordance with program, organization, and contractual requirements and standards.
• Develop and maintain current contact file with recruitment sources, prospective foster home data files, and mailing lists.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with religious/community groups and key individuals to increase their awareness of the need for foster parents and organization services.
• In coordination with communications and planning department, develop and circulate promotional materials; make regular press releases to public media sources and presentations when requested to promote foster care awareness and recruitment under the direction of the director.
• Plan and conduct regular orientation meetings and pre-service training with prospective foster parents.
• Complete original home study for all new foster parent applicants.
• Complete annual and renewal license assessments, and all licensing actions related to changes in foster home within prescribed time frames.
• Complete investigations of all complaints against foster families in a thorough and timely manner; provide written reports to appropriate parties and regulatory agencies.
• Provide ongoing training and consultation for foster parents.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of recruitment strategies; maintain statistical data related to service delivery outcomes and measurements; provide reports and data as requested.

• Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to child welfare.
• Engage directly with the community to make a lasting impact.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Training for this role will be provided by Samaritas.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field.
• Experience:
  
  Child welfare experience strongly preferred.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends.
  • Valid Michigan driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.