Foster Care Licensing Representative

The Foster Care Licensing Representative oversees all aspects of recruiting, assessing, training, licensing, and monitoring foster homes operating under the organization's Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS) contracts. This role is primarily focused on ensuring the safety, well-being, and stability of children placed in these foster homes, while supporting foster families and maintaining licensing standards.

Base Salary - $55,036.80

Benefits That'll Make You Smile!

We don't just want you to work here - we want you to love working here. That's why we've got perks to keep you happy, healthy, and growing:

Vacation time that grows with you - earn up to 80 hours your first year, and up to 160 hours after your first year.

Sick time you can count on - earn up to 96 hours each year.

11 paid holidays every year.

403(b) retirement plan with 8% employer contributions upon meeting eligibility.

Health Insurance.

Dental Insurance.

Vision Insurance.

Group Life and AD&D insurance included.

Options for extra voluntary coverage.

Educational Aid program to support your professional growth.

1.) Support Youth & Families:

• Use a family-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach when working with youth and families, always leading with empathy and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Build positive relationships with youth (when age-appropriate), foster parents, extended family, social supports, staff, and-when appropriate-birth parents to help create stability and lasting permanency.

• Identify and engage relatives, fictive kin, and natural supports to strengthen family connections.

• Use tools like ecomaps and genograms to better understand family systems and support networks.

2.) Recruit, Assess & License Foster Homes:

• Recruit individuals, couples, and families to become foster parents through community outreach and events (some outside regular business hours).

• Conduct thorough family assessments for prospective foster parents.

• Complete all required IDCFS documentation and serve as a liaison between the organization and IDCFS to secure foster home licensing approval.

• Follow all required procedures and documentation for Relative Certification.

• Maintain accurate foster home files in line with IDCFS regulations and agency policies.

• Monitor licensed foster homes to ensure they continue to meet all standards and requirements.

3.) Support Foster Families:

• Help foster families succeed by preventing placement disruptions, supporting reunification when appropriate, stabilizing placements, and promoting youth development.

• Work to ensure every child's safety, well-being, and permanency.

4.) Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities:

• Work closely with supervisors to match children with appropriate and available foster homes.

• Stay accessible during and occasionally outside regular business hours for placement-related needs.

• Help plan and deliver foster parent trainings alongside staff and community partners, including monthly Bethany training.

• Maintain strong, professional relationships with colleagues, referral partners, and community organizations.

• Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

• Support the organization's mission and strategic goals.

• Take on other related duties as needed.

What You'll Bring:

• A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
• Experience licensing and monitoring foster family homes in Illinois.
• Background in foster care case management.
• Successful completion of required IDCFS foster licensing exams.
• A valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation for home visits and community work.
• Flexibility to work a schedule that meets program needs and foster family availability (including occasional non-traditional hours).
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A commitment to the organization's mission, values, and team-based approach to care.
• The ability to meet all employment requirements for Illinois Child Welfare Agency staff,…