Regional Licensing Specialist - Adult Foster Care Licensing

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Job Description Summary:

Job Description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Development and recruitment of new Adult Foster Care programs.
a. Advertise the need for Adult Foster Care programs through local media and organizations.
b. Engage with community organizations and stakeholders to promote awareness of Adult Foster Care services.
c. Participate in community events and informational sessions to recruit and educate potential care providers.
d. Build relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and potential providers to promote Adult Foster Care services.
e. Follow up with participants who attend information sessions or workshops to gauge their level of interest and address any barriers or concerns they may have.
f. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment efforts by tracking metrics such as the number of inquiries, applications received, and providers licensed.
g. Gather feedback from both new and existing providers to identify areas for improvement and refine recruitment strategies over time.

2. Provide information to persons inquiring about becoming Adult Foster Care providers.
a. Take intake calls on Adult Foster Care screen for prospective providers on a daily basis.
b. Distribute licensing information to prospective candidates within one week of request.
c. Provide orientation for prospective Adult Foster Care providers at least six times per year.
d. Coordinate with applicable County any reports of unlicensed providers within 48 hours.

3. Perform Licensing activities for Adult Foster Care programs:
a. Complete licensing duties as set forth in Rule 13 and within Agency policies.
i. Familiarizing themselves with local, state, and federal regulations governing Adult Foster Care programs.
ii. Reviewing and processing applications for Adult Foster Care licenses, ensuring that all necessary documentation and requirements are met.
iii. Conduct applicant background studies on all caregivers, and household members that are 13 and older initially for Adult Foster Care programs.
iv. Conduct announced on-site inspection for safety issues, annually for new Adult Foster Care programs.
v. Refer to State Fire Marshal (or equivalent), local building inspector, and health inspector when appropriate.
vi. Conduct sufficient home visits to evaluate qualification of applicant.
vii. Determine suitability for future placements for Adult Foster Care programs.
viii. Process licensing forms and submit application to DHS with recommendations 20 days from completion.
ix. Notify applicable County of any allegations of licensing violations.
x. Monitor Corrective Action Plans.
xi. Coordinate with placement worker for adult foster care placements to ensure adequate contact exists between Agency and provider.
xii. Review and prepare variance requests on behalf of the provider.
xiii. Maintain appropriate caseload size recommended in the Schedule A for Adult Foster Care.

4. Complete re-licensing and off year licensing duties as set forth in Rule 13 and within policies.
a. Notify provider at least 30 days prior to expiration date.
b. Complete re-licensing application and process prior to license expiration date.
c. Conduct at least bi-annual inspections for Adult Foster Care programs;
d. Conduct home visit and provider evaluation prior to expiration of license and license renewal request.
e. Review with provider strengths and areas for improvement as identified in parent or social worker evaluations.
f. Submit re-licensing application to DHS within 20 days of completion and/or prior to expiration of license.
g. Utilize DHS systems to carry out licensing duties.

5. Assist licensed Adult Foster Care providers in obtaining required Continuing Education.
a. Provide and/or coordinate minimum hours orientation/training to new providers.
b. Provide information and resources to obtain minimum continuing education hours.
c. Attend regional licensor’s meetings as deemed appropriate.
d. Help coordinate annual conference for Adult Foster Care programs.

6. Support implementation of client services plans for Adult Foster Care.
a. Consult with placing social workers to attain greatest success in placement.
b. Maintain regular contact with providers having clients placed.
c. Act as liaison between Adult Foster Care provider and social work staff.

7. Support licensing action recommendations for Adult Foster Care.
a. Consult with adult protection, participating county contact, county attorney and DHS regarding all licensing actions.
b. Maintain regular contact with all parties during all licensing actions.
c. Act as liaison between participating county and DHS for all licensing recommendations.

8. Maintain case file with documentation that substantiates compliance with applicable Statute and Rule.
a. Documentation will be current.
b. File will contain application for service, background study information, DHS licensing forms, and any other pertinent documents.
c. Enter any pertinent information into SSIS for adult foster care programs.
d. Assure that the Data Privacy Rights are protected.
e. Utilize DHS systems to carry out licensing duties.

9. Provides advocacy for Counties and Providers:
a. Works to develop healthy relationship between Counties and Adult Foster Care providers, developing a strong channel of communication between both.
b. Recommends policy and procedure changes regarding the method of service and degree of service delivery regarding licensing, to create efficiencies.
c. Act as point of contact and communication liaison for Adult Foster Care providers and the associated county.
d. Responds to inquiries from State and Federal auditors and agencies regarding licenses and oversight of licensed providers.
e. Alerts participating county directors or designated staff about potential problem areas with licensed providers.
f. Communicates with County Attorney’s on legal issues connected with potential or existing license holders.
g. Cooperate and communicate effectively and in a timely fashion with Agency staff, clients, providers, other counties, DHS and the public in the discharge of job responsibilities.
h. Support and promote the concepts of “teamwork” in the delivery of quality services.
i. Develop and maintain positive working relationships within and outside the Region.
j. Assist in providing updates at county board meetings, monthly director meetings, and bi-annual supervisor meetings to ensure stakeholders are informed and engaged Assist with updating policies, procedures, website, and templates for Adult Foster Care licensing.
k. Travels regularly to county offices, community meetings, new applicants, and licensed providers.

10. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field, AND
2. Three (3) years of experience in social services related position or current licensing position
OR
3. A combination of social work or related post-secondary and/or professional education and demonstrated relevant work experience, equivalent to a total of a minimum of seven years
AND
4. General knowledge and interpretation of federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to human service childcare and adult foster care programs
5. General knowledge of human services delivery system and ability to effectively utilize such system
6. Valid MN Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications
1. Unencumbered Licensed MN Social Worker or Ability to Attain within one year
2. Applicable Professional Certification(s)
3. Bilingual English/Spanish

Position open until filled.

First review of applications will take place February 21st. If interested, please submit your application prior to this date to be considered.

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