Foster Care Licensing Recruiter

Requisition # : req14271

Location: Savannah, GA

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

The Licensing Recruiter is primarily responsible for identifying, recruiting, training, and supporting potential and committed foster homes. This individual will also coordinate foster care placements, oversee foster parent orientation and training, retention and advocacy, and become involved in community foster parent coalitions.

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

• Identify, recruit, and license foster homes;
• Re-license homes, complete annual evaluations, coordinate transfers, relocations and closures of foster homes;
• Investigate complaints on foster homes and work cooperatively with law enforcement and child protective services, as needed;
• Conduct post-placement follow-up on foster homes;
• Work with the assigned case manager and other child placement agencies for replacements;
• Maintain current available homes and on-call list;
• Receive placement referrals from other agencies and coordinate placement plans with foster care supervisor when Bethany has a potential resource;
• Coordinate the functions of the respite program and facilitate substitute care, when needed;
• Conduct the orientation pre-service training for foster home requirements;
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-going foster parent training programs;
• Serve as a consultant to case managers regarding foster home issues or problems;
• Participate in foster parent activities and meetings;
• Assist in coordinating special events, such as but not limited to the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner;
• Develop written materials for foster parents, such as a handbook, brochures, and other informational material;
• Attend area coalition meetings;
• Plan and participate in the annual Foster/Adopt conferences;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review ongoing foster home issues to ensure families meet the statement of need;
• Evaluate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of foster families;
• Assist with pre-adoptive home studies, as assigned;
• Participate in 24 hour on-call schedule rotation when needed;
• Respond to emergency placement needs during the weekdays;
• 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 clinical, interviewing, perceptual, diagnostic and family assessment skills;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well and work well with others;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the state of services provided;
• 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 skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the US to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of 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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment