Initial Licensure & Training Support Specialist - Pinellas

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Initial Licensure & Training Support Specialist (Initializer) assists with all licensing procedures to ensure complete and total support for the prospective foster family throughout their entire initial licensure process and training. The Initializer serves as the liaison between the potential foster family and the agency – to assist, support, and gather all information required for the prospective foster family to successfully meet all licensing requirements according to Florida Administrative Code.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist, support, and maintain open lines of communication with prospective foster families throughout the Professional Parenting training course and licensing process

• Coordinate, and/or facilitate the training of prospective foster parents, including orientation and Professional Parenting Training

• Facilitate completion of the prospective foster family’s backgrounds and work with the appropriate Lead Agency’s Foster Parent Licensing Unit to initiate additional background processes when needed

• Write and complete home studies and obtain required support documentation

• Complete Satisfactory Home Health Inspections for prospective foster families to ensure the safety and well-being of any child placed in that home

• Conduct all required face-to-face home visits with each foster family within the timelines required and put in place by Florida Administrative Code, DCF, and the Judicial circuit’s lead CBC agency

• Complete, gather, and submit all information and appropriate paperwork for licensing documentation packages to DCF and the appropriate Judicial Circuit’s Lead CBC Agency’s Foster Parent Licensing Unit - required for the prospective foster family to successfully meet all licensing requirements as required by state standards

• Facilitating positive working relationships between the family and the agency

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changes in legislation and/or other requirements concerning training and licensing foster families, as well as attending all required in-service training

• Maintain constant and consistent contact with foster families and be readily available to provide emergency information and support to A Door of Hope on-call person for each foster family 24 hours per day in the event of an emergency

• Be available for a scheduled on-call rotation period of 24 hours a day for 7-days

• Assisting in all other related duties when necessary

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of the Initial Licensure & Training Support Specialist (Initializer) position may also include but are not limited to:

Licensed Foster Family Support:

• Initializer may carry a small caseload to assist the licensing team until they acquire a full pipeline

• Assist with placement of children into foster and respite homes by coordinating with A Door of Hope and DCF/ Community Base Care Agency’s placement, including follow-up for daycare, placement in school, medical appointments, etc.

• Assist in the coordination of foster parent support activities, such as monthly support groups and quarterly foster family special events

• Assist in all other related duties when necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

• §   Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Relevant work experience in social work or closely related fields may substitute for the education requirement for applicants with associate degree, high school diploma, or GED with at least two years of experience or equivalent experience working with children with emotional disturbances and/or at-risk children-risk children.

• DCF experience preferred in Protective Supervision and/or Foster Care

• Child welfare certification and Professional Parenting certification, or the commitment to obtain both certifications within the first 12 months of employment

• Ability to learn and retain an in-depth knowledge of child welfare work, including statutes and regulations regarding licensing and placement of children in foster and adoptive homes

• Customer service experience

• Strong detail orientation administrative skills, including the ability to multitask

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures

• Ability to work independently and self-motivate

• Ability to be organized and meet deadlines

• Ability to react calmly and effectively in all emergency situations

• Continued personal competency through education, outside literature, seminars, etc. Attend and complete all required in-service training necessary to maintain Child Welfare Certification

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, as well as the ability to learn and utilize new software programs

• Successful completion of a criminal background screening and drug screening

• Must be able to meet requirements for A Door of Hope auto insurance policy and be able to drive for business purposes

• Must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license and auto insurance coverage