Foster Care Licensing Specialist

Bloom Our Youth Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Georgia's families and communities to transform the lives of children and youth impacted by foster care. Through foster care, prevention, and transitional programs, Bloom provides essential support that helps children and families thrive. Serving more than 8,200 children and youth across the state of Georgia last year, Bloom brings its mission to life through initiatives such as Foster Care services, the Family Resource Center, Bloom University, Bloom Beyond, and the Bloom Closet. We are a mission-driven, collaborative team committed to making a lasting impact—and we seek team members who are passionate about serving children and families with excellence and compassion. JOB TITLE Foster Care Licensing Specialist REPORTS TO Foster Care Program Manager POSITION SUMMARY The Foster Care Licensing Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive services to families seeking to care for Bloom foster children by completing initial assessments, home evaluations, re-licensing home evaluations, certification training, and by providing ongoing support to the foster parents. This individual will also be responsible forcompleting in-home assessments therefore a willingness to travel locally and reliabletransportation is also required. REQUIREMENTS BA Degree required, Master’s Preferred, in human services with at least two year's work experience in social services position with youth and families. SAFE and IMPACT certification required or will complete within a specified timeline as specified at time of employment; Demonstrated flexibility, strong written and oral communication skills, computer efficiency, strong analytical skills, cultural competency and in-depth knowledge of child welfare best practices. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Facilitates IMPACT/NTDC training sessions. Conducts a minimum of 3 in-home visits with prospective foster parents. Writes home evaluations in compliance with the Office of Provider Management, Office of Residential Childcare, and Bloom Policies and procedures. Provides or arranges all agency Pre-Service trainings prior to home licensure, i.e. water safety, agency policies and procedures, CPR/First Aid, Reasonable and Prudent Parenting, etc. Maintains foster parent case records in accordance with program, accreditation, regulatory, and contract requirements. Responds to any inquiries from the Department of Family and Children Services, OPM, and ORCC relative to foster home compliance issues. Ensures mandatory reporting and other requirements are completed. Assists the Foster Care Director in completing Foster Home Policy Violation Assessments as needed. Conducts and submits renewal licensing SAFE Home Studies. Develops yearly training goals with foster homes according to their re-licensure needs. Works in conjunction with the Foster Care Recruitment and Retention Specialist in order to ensure that all ongoing training requirements are met for each foster family. Participate in BLOOM strategic planning and PQI activities as appropriate. Participate in individual supervision, staff meetings, and other meetings related to foster parents as needed. Represent BLOOM at community and civic functions to market the program and advocate for child welfare best practices. Adhere to all mandating and critical incident reporting guidelines. Other duties as assigned Support Bloom's Performance Quality Improvement efforts by participating in ongoing evaluation and documentation of performance indicators. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS This is a full-time position requiring flexibility of schedule. Heavy travel is required. May require evenings and weekends. Must be willing to commute to our Northwest Office. Disclaimer: Although the agency has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the agency reserves the right to change the same, including changing, adding to or subtracting from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the agency, at any time, with or without advance notice. Bloom is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. We strive to create an inclusive environment that values the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the communities we serve. We actively seek candidates who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr