Licensing, Home Study, and Placement Specialist

The Licensing and Placement Specialist is responsible for assessing prospective foster families, coordinating and maintaining licensing documentation, conducting COMAR-required SAFE home studies and home study updates, and coordinating placements of children into foster homes that best meet their needs. This role supports prospective and current foster parents throughout licensing, re-licensing, home study, and placement processes; maintains accurate records; collaborates with internal teams and external partners; and helps ensure safe, nurturing, and appropriate foster home placements for children in care.Essential FunctionsLicensing and CompliancePrepare and maintain accurate licensing documentation in compliance with state regulations and agency policies.Collect and review required documentation from prospective and current foster parents.Monitor foster homes for adherence to licensing standards and implement corrective actions when necessary.Provide guidance and support to foster families throughout the licensing process.Assist families with completing required training and documentation.Work closely with placement and home study staff to ensure timely and appropriate foster home approvals.Maintain detailed records and submit reports as required by state and agency guidelines.SAFE Home Studies and Re-LicensureComplete SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) home study assessments for prospective families.Conduct SAFE Home Studies for foster home renewals and ensure timely completion of renewal home study reports in compliance with COMAR and DCMR licensing regulations.Complete home study updates required for foster home re-licensure or household changes.Ensure foster parents have necessary documentation to meet re-licensing requirements in a timely manner.Collaborate with the social work team when completing home study renewals to discuss updates to household composition.Conduct three home study visits to complete home study interviews and narrative reports ensuring compliance with licensing requirements.Check three references for prospective foster parents, including one face-to-face reference interview.Placement CoordinationCoordinate the placement of children into foster homes that best meet their needs.Respond promptly to placement requests and emergencies.Maintain accurate placement records in accordance with agency and state regulations.Ensure all placement documentation is completed and filed in a timely manner.Work closely with licensing staff to confirm foster home availability and compliance.Coordinate with case managers and clinical staff to ensure continuity of care.Serve as a liaison between foster families and agency staff during placement transitions.Collaboration, Records, and ReportingCollaborate with internal teams and external partners to support positive outcomes for children and families.Maintain accurate licensing, home study, and placement records.Manage multiple home studies, licensing tasks, and placements while meeting required deadlines.Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.Qualifications and Education RequirementsMaster’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university with DC and Maryland LGSW/LCSW licensure preferred for home study responsibilities.Prior experience in child welfare, foster care, licensing, home study, or placement services preferred.Familiarity with state licensing regulations, child welfare standards, and placement protocols.Understanding of child welfare regulations and placement protocols.Strong organizational, written communication, and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple home studies, placements, records, and deadlines.Required to pass background checks in DC and Maryland.Must have reliable and accessible transportation, valid driver’s license, and vehicle insurance.Skills and CompetenciesMicrosoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.Experience using data collection systems.Ability to manage time well and work independently and in a group.Relationship building and family engagement.Ethical practice and confidentiality.Cultural competency and inclusion.Attention to detail and compliance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lutheran-Social-Services-of-the-National-Capital-Are