Licensing Assessor

Why Work for Pathway Caring for Children?

Join Our Team

When you join Pathway Caring for Children, you're joining a mission-driven organization where your work makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Together, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and hope while supporting one another through a culture built on compassion, respect, and continuous learning.

At Pathway Caring for Children, our work is guided by a simple but powerful purpose: helping children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health services. We believe in supporting our team just as much as we support the children and families we serve.

· Work-Life Balance

· Flexible Scheduling – Life happens, and we understand. Eligible employees may adjust schedules within the work week based on job responsibilities and program needs.

· Hybrid Work Opportunities – Work remotely when appropriate while remaining connected to your team and clients.

· Paid Holidays

· Family-friendly

· Generous PTO and can earn additional PTO

· Professional Growth & development

· Promote from within

· Free in-house CEUs

· Licensure & Exam reimbursement

· Paid training time

· External training opportunities

· Specialized certifications

· Supportive leadership

Pathway Caring for Children is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Licensing Assessor to join our team. This position works closely with the Licensing Operations and Support Director to ensure foster and adoptive homes maintain compliance with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) licensing standards.

The Licensing Assessor is responsible for conducting initial licensing and re-licensing activities for foster homes, completing adoption home approvals and re-approvals, and managing home updates such as relocations, household changes, and marital status changes. This role plays a critical part in supporting safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and families served by Pathway.

Key Responsibilities

Licensing and Home Assessment Functions

Working under the direction of the Licensing Operations and Support Director, the Licensing Assessor will:

• Conduct initial foster and adoptive home assessments, including home visits, interviews, and completion of required documentation.
• Manage all licensing and approval paperwork in accordance with ODJFS regulations and Pathway policies.
• Enter and maintain accurate information in the Pathway database and SACWIS system.
• Complete foster home re-licensure activities for assigned homes.
• Process licensing updates related to home relocations, changes in household composition, marital status changes, and other licensing modifications.
• Assist with activities required for Pathway's agency licensure and re-licensure.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Ohio foster care and adoption licensing regulations.
• Conduct kinship adoption assessments and provide support related to court proceedings as assigned.
• Demonstrate trauma-informed practices and trauma competence in all interactions, assessments, and responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with all agency, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and professional documentation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or another related social science field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in the social services field.
• Certified Adoption Assessor in the State of Ohio.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Proof of automotive liability insurance.
• Reliable transportation maintained in safe operating condition.
• Ability to meet all background screening requirements as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5101:2-5-09.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ohio Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
• Experience with foster care, adoption, child welfare, licensing, or family assessments.
• Knowledge of SACWIS and ODJFS licensing requirements.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, and committed to supporting children and families. They possess strong assessment skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex licensing requirements while building positive relationships with prospective and current foster and adoptive families.

Commitment to Diversity

Pathway Caring for Children values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and consideration for the cultural backgrounds and unique needs of the children, families, and communities we serve.