Foster Care Certification Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW


The Foster Care Certification Specialist recruits, prepares, and certifies foster homes in accordance with OKDHS requirements and Sunbeam Family Services standards. This position oversees the foster home certification process from initial inquiry through approval, supporting families through training, documentation, background checks, and home assessments. The Specialist ensures foster families are well prepared and compliant while supporting agency recruitment, retention, and reporting goals.


All Sunbeam Family Services employees and volunteers are expected to be culturally responsive, reflect organizational core values, and meet Sunbeam's standards of excellence at all times.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimally Required


Preferred


Education


Bachelor's Degree in social work, OR


Bachelor's Degree in behavioral science, social science, or related field AND 12 months children or family services experience, OR


Bachelor's Degree with at least 9 college credit hours in family focus, individual function and interaction, child development, sociology, social work, and/or a closely related subject AND 24 months children or family services experience.


* Evidence of degree and coursework required.


Master's Degree in social work


Experience


Experience with children and families


One (1) year experience working directly with children and families.


Skills Knowledge Abilities


Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with families and children from diverse backgrounds.


Accepting interpersonal approach that reflects cultural sensitivity to the unique and diverse experiences of families served.


Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written.


Must exercise good judgment.


Able to appropriately respond to stressful situations.


Able to effectively and respectfully communicate in a manner that consistently demonstrates respect and concern.


Intermediate knowledge of computer operations and applications and the ability to master other computer technology/software programs, as needed.


Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.


Excellent problem solving, time management, and organizational skills.


Ability to assess and ask appropriate follow up questions to gather complete and accurate information.


Able to work as a cooperative and supportive interdisciplinary team member


Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload.


Must be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends, including consistently answer an on call rotation as required.


Valid Oklahoma driver's license and state required vehicle insurance for any vehicle used in performance of job duties.


Advanced computer database and Microsoft software application knowledge


Bilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes

WORKING CONDITIONS


The working conditions described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.


Physical Demands


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently communicate with staff and others and must be able to exchange accurate information when doing so. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings, etc. Must be able to operate and use a computer. Must be able to detect, discern, distinguish, observe, inspect and compare. Occasionally must be able to move or lift up to 20 pounds at a time.


Work Environment


The employee will work in office, school, and home environments. May work close quarters with other staff members, parents, and children. This position requires frequent travel to and from homes spending time outside and in the home environment. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet, moderate to loud depending on work setting. Work environment cannot be predicted when entering a family's home. Employee must expect exposure to strong odors such as soiled diapers and clothes and poor hygiene.


Other


This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It does not imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. Employee may be required to perform other duties as requested.


Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fairness and equity in employment practices for all persons without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.