Licensing Specialist

Licensing SpecialistHeadquarters - Gainesville, FL 32606OverviewSalary Range $22.49 - $24.74 Hourly Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year DegreeDescriptionThe Licensing Specialist is responsible for licensing, training, and supporting families throughout the licensing process. This position reports to the Licensing Supervisor.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAssess prospective foster and kinship families to determine eligibility for licensure.Conduct home studies, family assessments, interviews, and background checks in accordance with state licensing regulations, agency policies and timeframes.Educate and prepare foster parents on the responsibilities, expectations, and requirements of foster care licensing.Facilitate pre-service training and other required training for potential foster families.Review and verify required documentation to ensure compliance with licensing standards and regulatory requirements.Perform initial and ongoing home visits to evaluate safety, suitability, and quality of care provided in foster homes.Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records within agency databases.Stay current on child welfare laws, foster care regulations, best practices, and agency procedures.Prepare detailed reports, correspondence, and licensing recommendations for management and regulatory review.Ensure all foster homes meet health, safety, and child welfare standards prior to licensure and throughout the licensing period.Promote diversity, cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and child-centered practices in all licensing activities.Maintain professional relationships with foster families while upholding ethical standards and regulatory requirements.Uses a variety of questioning techniques to elicit information needed in order to form conclusions or make decisions.Fits pieces of information into a coherent whole or summary.Understands different views, expertise, and experience of others; understands the perspectives and limitations of other individuals and systems.Enters each home-study with an understanding of what must be accomplished to reach objective.Composes comprehensive foster home studies based on the strengths and needs of the prospective families.Prepares in advance for situations (i.e., home-visits, Pre-service training class, rehearses presentations).Thoroughly documents issues, questions, or concerns directly related to licensing foster homes.Displays understanding of, and sensitivity to, service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.Perform additional duties as assigned to support foster care licensing and child welfare program objectives.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a closely related field.Child Protection Professional (CPP) certification or CPP eligible.Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver's license to operate the motor vehicle operated. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in psychology, social work, or closely related field.Two (2) years of child welfare experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.Special Qualifications:Must obtain a Child Protection Professional (CPP ) certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.