Careers

Foster Care Licensing + Support Specialist –Pasco/Pinellas Counties

Headquarters: Safety Harbor, Florida
Full-time, Hybrid work in the field
Salary: Competitive - Available upon request

POSITION SUMMARY

The Licensing & Support Specialist plays a pivotal role in facilitating licensing procedures and providing comprehensive support to licensed foster families. They gather all necessary information for licensure and re-licensure processes, as well as develop, identify and facilitate support services for foster families within the agency. Acting as a liaison, they ensure effective communication between foster families and other agency contacts within the system of care. All A Door of Hope activities are to be conducted in a manner that helps improve ministry effectiveness, achieve development goals and objectives, make disciples in our community and bring glory to God.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist, compile, and follow through with the completion of foster family licensing documentation packages – required by law, to acquire and maintain a foster family’s state license. Ensure required licensing documentation packages are submitted to Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the appropriate Judicial Circuit’s Community Base Care (Lead CBC) Agency’s Foster Parent Licensing Unit – by the deadlines, put in place, and required by Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

  • Complete and maintain necessary and appropriate paperwork for all case files, required reports, court reports (if requested), program forms, etc., and assist and train foster parents in appropriate documentation as required by Florida Administrative Code 65C-45.

  • Conduct face-to-face home visits with each foster family within the timelines required and put in place by Florida Administrative Code, DCF, and the Judicial circuit’s lead CBC agency.

  • Write and complete home studies and obtain required support documentation.

  • Complete Home Health Inspections for foster families, as needed for licensing and/or re-licensure purposes.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in legislation and/or other requirements concerning training and licensing foster families.

  • Continue ongoing support for licensed foster families – to facilitate a positive working relationship between family and agency contacts.

  • Work closely with foster care case manager to assist in obtaining necessary services for children and maintaining professional inclusion for foster parents.

  • Assist in securing and advocating for the acquisition of services and resources necessary to implement foster child(ren)s service plan as needed.

  • Assist after placement of children into foster and respite homes by coordinating with A Door of Hope and DCF/ Community Base Care Agency’s placement, including follow-up for daycare, placement in school, medical appointments, etc.

  • When necessary, attend court with foster parents and advocate with Guardian Ad Litem on behalf of children placed in A Door of Hope foster homes.

  • Assist in the coordination of foster parent support activities, such as monthly support groups and quarterly foster family special events.

  • Maintain constant and consistent contact with foster families and be readily available to provide emergency information and support to A Door of Hope on-call person for each foster family 24 hours per day in the event of an emergency.

  • Be available for a scheduled on-call rotation period of 24 hours a day for 7 days.

  • Attend all required in-service training and community meetings.

  • Assist in all other related duties when necessary.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties of the Licensing & Support Specialist position may also include but are not limited to:

  • Participate in recruitment efforts when needed.

  • Assisting, supporting, and maintaining open lines of communication with initializing team and prospective foster families throughout the licensing course and initial licensing process.

  • Teaching the licensing course to prospective foster parents.

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY

       Licensing Support Specialist > Licensing Supervisor > Director of Licensing > Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Relevant work experience in social work or closely related fields may substitute for the education requirement for applicants with associate degree, high school diploma, or GED with at least two years of experience or equivalent experience working with children with emotional disturbances and/or at-risk children.

  • DCF experience preferred in Protective Supervision and/or Foster Care.

  • Child welfare certification and Professional Parenting certification, or the commitment to obtain both certifications within the first 12 months of employment.

  • Ability to learn and retain an in-depth knowledge of child welfare work, including statutes and regulations regarding licensing and placement of children in foster and adoptive homes.

  • Customer service experience with strong administrative skills, including multitasking and detail orientation.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.

  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and stay organized.

  • Ability to react calmly and effectively in all emergency situations.

  • Continued personal competency through education, outside literature, seminars, etc.

  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, as well as the ability to learn and utilize new software programs.

  • Must be able to meet requirements for A Door of Hope auto insurance policy and be able to drive for business purposes.

  • Must have a valid Florida driver’s license with reliable transportation.

  • Successfully complete a criminal background screening.

  • Must be able to move 25 lbs.

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