Licensing Specialist - Foster Care Homes - Saint Francis Ministries : Job Details

Job DescriptionLicensed Specialist-FCHThe Licensing Specialist implements family centered practice by assuring that relative, kin, foster, and adoptive resource families are licensed to provide care for children in accordance with state regulations.

• Engages and assesses prospective resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families for licensure
• Conducts and documents assessments and licensing requirements per DCF and KDHE guidelines for resource (kin, relative, foster, and adoptive) families
• Coordinates PS-MAPP and Deciding Together preparation for prospective resource families
• Completes annual reassessment and licensing requirements for resource families
• Provides training regarding resource (kinship, foster and adoptive) care as needed
• Assures that conferences and related activities are conducted within standards
• Timely and efficient navigation of licensing process with family during initial licensing phase
• Coordinates licensing process with recruiter, FCH worker and FCH supervisor
• Completion of comprehensive assessment and recommendations of families' abilities to meet the needs of children in care
• Develop partnerships with DCF surveyors and FCH Licensing Specialist Supervisor in making determinations and achieving resolutions regarding licensing issues
• Ensure families are enrolled and guided through the preservice training.
• Immediate initiation of process with informal care referrals received from the Case Management Provider (CMP)
• Encourage family and maintain compliance throughout the informal care referrals received from the Case Management Provider (CMP)
• Work in tandem with FCH worker as family goes through the informal care process until DCF issues full license
• Completes and distributes written documentation accurately and timely
• Liaison with DCF, the courts, community resources, and families
• Participates in team meetings
• Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent SFCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms
• Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures
• Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels
• Ensures clients' rights are protected. Makes sure all clients have received their rights and maintains a signed copy in each file.

RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Social Work (prefer) Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling, from an accredited college or universityLicense in the State of KansasPS - MAPP Leader / PS-Deciding Together (preferred)First Aid/CPR (preferred)Two years' experience working with children and familiesMust be 21 years of age

• Must pass drug screen, MVR, KBI, Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance check
• FBI fingerprint check if relocated to KS in the last 5 years
• Must have a valid KS driver's license, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation
• Lifting Requirement 30 - 50 lbs
• Mandated reporter
• Receives training in trauma informed practice and incorporates knowledge in day to day practice
• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must understand state regulations for licensed foster homes
• Must understand child and adolescent development, treatment, and family systems
• Must understand child welfare and state system
• Must understand family centered practice, genograms, ecograms, and social histories
• Working knowledge of family counseling techniques, both individual and group
• Outgoing, engaging personality with ability to speak to large and small groups
• Self-motivated and capable of managing own schedule
• Must be a team player
• Ability to travel though out the State and work a flexible work schedule
• Manages emotions and is able to make decision under pressure
• Organizational skills
• Clerical skills.
• Computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Handles multiple priorities
• Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position
• Manages stress appropriately
• Works alone effectively
• Works in close proximity to others and/or in a distracting environment
• Understands and practices Universal Precautions
• Consistent ability to offer excellent customer service
• Ability to positively engage families into the Saint Francis Ministries culture
• Position serves as the primary liaison to DCF surveyors