Licensing Specialist

Job Details

Job Location:

Family Support Services of Suncoast Admin Office - Largo, FL 33771

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree/BA or BS

Licensing Specialist

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Well-Being Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Discounts
• 401k Plan with 3% Employer Contribution

The major function of this position includes the initial and re‑licensing of family foster homes and ensuring statutory licensing requirements and guidelines are met. Responsible for assuring that the licensing of foster homes is in compliance with State standards and that we maintain and retain our foster homes. This position provides support to caregivers and assists with service coordination as needed.

This position will work in partnership with child welfare professionals from the Department of Children and Families, Family Support Services and our subcontracted case management organizations. This position will work closely with the FSS placement team and will be part of our direct service personnel.

• Provide completed re‑licensing packets to the Licensing Supervisor 50 days prior to license expiration for a comprehensive review prior to DCF submission.
• Timely completion and submission of licensing packets to DCF.
• Complete quarterly visits with foster parents.
• Contact foster parents within a 48 hour time frame when new placements are made, ensuring that any services they need are in place and following up with placement/case management as necessary.
• Contact foster parent pre‑service participants within 72 hours of assignment to begin initial licensing home study and completion of packet.
• Notify placement/data of client placement activities (runaways, hospitalizations, moves) ASAP to ensure proper payment to foster parents.
• Complete follow‑up on deficient packets as directed, usually within 24 hour to 5 day period.
• Conduct in‑home visit for re‑licensing purposes.
• Maintain accurate foster home records and ensure that all foster homes are in compliance with State standards.
• Provide documentation for evaluation / recommendation of foster home changes or closures.
• Attend Foster Home Association meetings on a scheduled rotation basis.

• Attend quarterly trainings and recruitment events as needed.
• Attend foster home related staffings as needed.
• Be available for foster parents if they have questions or concerns or need support at all times.
• Treat foster parents, the public and co‑workers with courtesy, respect and dignity and present a positive public image at all times.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:
  
  Prior experience with licensing and working with at‑risk children preferred.
• Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration:
  Valid drivers license; current certification in First Aid and CPR recommended;
  Florida child welfare licensing certification required (active certification or ability to meet criteria for certification).

• Understand and commit to the FSS mission.
• Represent self and the organization in a professional manner with strong emphasis on customer service.
• Work independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with professionalism and respect.
• Work directly with caregivers to help them understand and meet licensure and benefit requirements.
• Understand and interpret Florida statutes, Florida administrative rules, policies, and procedures.
• Determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments within required time frames.
• Manage time effectively.
• Work collaboratively with professionals within and outside of the organization.
• Demonstrate personal leadership, including integrity, ethical standards, and adherence to agency expectations and policies for professional conduct.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word;…