Temporary Refugee Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Temporary Refugee Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Requisition #: req5069

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Refugee Foster Care (RFC) Licensing Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for coordinating recruitment, licensing, and education for foster parents to facilitate intake and placement of refugee and unaccompanied children in out-of-home placements.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process intake screenings for prospective foster parents;
• Assist in the development and follow-through process on innovative and assertive recruitment techniques for foster parents and minority foster parents;
• Develop and coordinate an efficient, informative orientation for prospective foster parents;
• Work closely with prospective foster parents as they go through initial screening and licensing;
• Closely monitor the relicensing of foster homes within refugee services;
• Review referral information to ensure the appropriate placement in out-of-home placements and coordinate with foster care staff and supervisor, as necessary;
• Review and audit foster home files to ensure adherence to licensing requirements;
• Serve as a liaison to caseworkers and/or supervisors for activities with the foster homes and the community;
• Ensure foster home licensing, recruitment, and placement practices align with state and federal regulations;
• Inform caseworkers on licensing and placement regulations;
• Communicate rule violations to the caseworker and foster parent in a timely manner, while also working with them to correct violations through special evaluations;
• Assist the Training and Development Coordinator and the Recruitment Specialist in activities to include but not limited to the annual recognition events and other efforts to retain foster parents;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior experience working in foster care or child welfare, a plus;
• Demonstrated ability with interviewing, placement, diagnostic and family assessment skills;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the State of Michigan;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Cultural Diversity Commitment.

We value and embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; our culture is strengthened and our workplace is more dynamic. We are a global organization with multicultural staff, clients and stakeholders, so we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. More work remains, but we are deeply committed to honestly acknowledging and addressing the impacts of race and racism throughout the organization. This work can be uncomfortable and even painful, but we believe that the greatest challenges bear the greatest rewards.

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