Licensing Specialist

Location:
Gaylord, MI, United States
Date Posted:
Jan 2, 2026

Job Title:Foster Care Licensing Specialist
Location: Wellspring Gaylord
Reports to: Foster Care Licensing Supervisor
Position Type:Full-Time | Salary

Wellspring Lutheran Services is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to serving families and children in need of support. We are currently seeking aFoster Care Licensing Specialist to join our Foster Care team in Gaylord, serving families throughout Otsego and Alpena counties. This role strengthens communities by ensuring foster families are well-prepared, supported and successfully licensed to care for children in need.

• Complete initial assessments of new foster parent applicants.
• Complete annual and renewal license assessments, and all licensing activities related to changes in the foster home.
• Conduct, monitor and review special investigations of licensed foster homes, and provide appropriate recommendations and corrective action plans, as applicable.
• Create and implement effective plans to recruit and retain foster families, including presentations, attending events in the community, newsletters, special events, awards, gifts of appreciation and support groups.
• Schedule and provide pre-service and ongoing training for prospective foster parents at times convenient for families.
• Provide orientation for prospective foster families to facilitate the application process.
• Obtain referrals and intake information, and assist in making placements in compliance with rules and policy.
• Visit each assigned foster home at least once each quarter.
• Maintain accurate records, confidentiality and timely reports.
• Attend staff meetings and treatment planning meetings as required.
• Transport clients as needed.
• Provide emergency, on-call interventions after hours and on holidays, as required.
• Integrate learning from required DHHS training into day-to-day responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field (required)
• Experience working with children and families (preferred)
• Valid Michigan driver’s license, car registration and auto insurance (required)
• Reliable, compassionate, and committed to high-quality service

• Schedule:
  
  Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Pay rate: $41,500+ / year, based off of experience
• On-call:
  Participation in on-call rotation with the team
• Office-based with flexible scheduling
• Travel: position travels into the community to see clients in their homes and attend community events, milage reimbursement provided.
• Supportive team of social workers, administrative staff and leaders
• Weekly and as needed supervision and support
• Administrative support with tasks such as filing and documentation requests
• Health, vision and dental insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• Daily Pay – flexibility to access your pay when needed
• Wellspring Support Linc – employee assistance program

Join Wellspring and use your social work expertise to empower children and families across Northern Michigan. Apply today to become part of a compassionate, mission-driven team making a difference every day

Full job description available during the interview.