Licensing Specialist

MCHS offers a wealth of benefits for our employees including: generous paid holidays & time off, full benefits (100% of premiums covered by the employer; no cost to you), a wonderful 80 acre campus, tuition reimbursement, pension plan, and a dedication to growth & promotion from within.

I. JOB SUMMARY

The Licensing Specialist acts as an advocate for the agency’s foster parents and is responsible for the recruitment, certification, licensing, supervision and retention of foster homes for the agency’s Foster Care program; oversees and conducts foster parent orientation and training; conducts home evaluations and annual reassessments; and works closely with foster care staff in maintaining licensing standards.

II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assess the ability of potential foster families to provide care to children and to maintain compliance with foster home licensing rules; complete initial, annual, and renewal evaluations of prospective and currently licensed foster homes; investigate complaints that relate to the care of children in the foster home to ensure the home maintains compliance with licensing regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in the recruitment and development of families to take on children by providing initial orientation and ongoing training to prospective and current foster and adoptive parents.
• Formulate case plans, write case reports, compete required legal documentation, and maintain case records within agency and DHHS time frames and requirements; perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, and maintaining files as necessary.
• Represent the agency in court and accurately testify to the progress of cases; attend all required hearings and meetings pursuant to cases, clients, children, and families; make assessments and recommendations based on the best interest of the child.
• Operate within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook, program’s Operations Manual, and DHHS Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Licensing Supervisor or Director of Child Welfare Programs.

III. BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or a related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavioral sciences with one (1) to three (3) years’ experience in a social services agency.
• Foster Care Licensing certification.
• Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training preferred.
• Certified PRIDE trainer preferred.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, etc.).
• Principles and practices of casework, involving analysis of the physical, psychological and social factors contributing to maladjustment.
• Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Foster home recruitment and retention processes.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policies and procedures.
• Family and child dynamics.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Accurately assess children and adults.
• Complete in-home licensing inspections which includes walk through of the home and inspections for licensing compliance and safety.
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meet deadlines.
• Effectively  communicate verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Attend training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHS’s mission and vision.
• Maintain a Michigan driver’s license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.

IV. JOB SETTING

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee will typically encounter during a normal shift.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V