What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Care Licensing Representative position at Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois?
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Licensing Representative
Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Licensing Supervisor
Salary Range: $50,336 - $55,336
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.
Opportunity for an additional $1,500 Quarterly Continuous Quality Performance Bonus
Essential Functions:
- Primarily responsible for coordinating all licensing materials and assisting the supervisor in the conduct and completion of licensing investigations. Including conducting visits to assigned foster homes, offering preparation, assistance, and support. Generate accurate and timely monthly tracking reports, ensuring meticulous record-keeping. May work evenings and weekends. May be required to work extended hours and be available on-call as necessary. May travel in high-risk communities.
- Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
- Assist in the oversight of all licensing applications to guarantee accurate and timely processing and submission to DCFS.
- Interpret and ensure compliance with state and federal licensing standards.
- Thoroughly conduct and meticulously document timely monitoring visits for both foster and relative homes, ensuring completeness and accuracy in the documentation process.
- Prepare and maintain up-to-date documentation, files, and information as required for licensing requirements and audit purposes, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
- Collaborate with regulatory authorities to address findings and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with the supervisor to assess and oversee the quality and quantity of licensing services delivered by the team, providing valuable support in maintaining high standards and efficient service provision.
- Engage in collaborative efforts with the child and family team, prioritizing the best interests of the individuals involved to facilitate suitable placements. This involves active participation to ensure the optimal well-being and placement of children within the foster care system.
- Record all foster parent activities meticulously within the designated electronic system. Ensure the systematic organization of files, both electronically and in hard copy format, to maintain comprehensive and orderly documentation.
- Present and facilitate foster parent information, support, and tracking statements clearly and effectively, ensuring accurate communication and assistance.
- Engage and develop professional rapport and relationships to assist relative and foster families in understanding the developmental needs of children and appropriately determine their ability to provide care for foster children and meet all licensing standards
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
- In-depth knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards including child welfare licensing regulations. Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements. Familiarity with child welfare program operations.
- Knowledge of and the ability to apply family dynamic theories in the assessment of foster parents.
- Ability and skills to assess foster families to make sound recommendations regarding appropriateness for foster care.
- Ability to interact with staff and potential foster parents in a way that develops an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field. At least 1 year of experience in child welfare services, with a focus on licensing and compliance preferred. Licensed as a Child Welfare Specialist and trained in DCFS Rule 402 and Child Care Act preferred.
Physical Demands and Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Salary : $50,336 - $55,336