Recruiter/Licensing Counselor

Recruiter and Licensing Counselor - FL

FSLA – Non-Exempt

Reports to Program Manager

Northwest, FL

Position Summary:

The Recruiter and Licensing Counselor works closely with the Program Manager to recruit, select, train, license, and re-license foster families for the Foster Home Program in accordance with Northwest Florida Health Network (NWFHN) contractual obligations and in compliance with DCF Administrative Code. This position also provides support needed to enable foster parents have the resources for successful placements. This position will coordinate awareness campaigns to recruit foster parents as well as spread awareness of all agency programs. They may at times coordinate foster parent meetings and appreciation events. This position requires the ability to travel over a multi-county catchment area and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities:

• Recruits, selects, and trains foster families that will meet the needs of foster children.
• Acts as a resource for prospective foster families by providing initial contact, answering questions, and providing additional information regarding the role, expectations, and needed paperwork to prospective families.
• Facilitates pre-service training for prospective foster parents. Will at times (in partnership with foster care staff) provide in-service training for foster families who are renewing their license.
• Ensures that prospective foster family members submit completed forms required for licensure approval in a timely manner.
• Works with Program Manager to ensure that initial licenses and re-licensures for foster homes are carried out within current codes/guidelines/standards and within required time frames as assigned.
• Ensures that approved initial and on-going Foster Parent Training is provided to prospective foster families in a timely manner. Assist in conducting pre-service training to potential foster parents.
• Conducts Foster Care Referrals in accordance with DCF guidelines.
• Reports incidents in the approved NWFHN system in accordance with NWFHN requirements.
• Conducts face-to-face home visits on at least a quarterly basis with all assigned foster homes to assess safety, monitor licensing compliance, and provide supportive services. Documentation of the quarterly visit must be entered FSFN within 2 business days of the visit as assigned.
• Ensures timely follow through for needs of foster families identified during quarterly home visits and through phone calls or other contacts as assigned.
• In a collaborative manner works with DCF/FFN/NWFHN representatives and other community partners to ensure that the needs of foster children are met.
• Participates in the rotation of an on-call phone. Respond to placement requests and other urgent matters during the on-call assignment.
• Facilitates placement and respite of children into foster homes as needed in accordance with all contract/licensing requirements and in consideration of the needs of the foster child and foster family including overcapacity waivers, age waivers, safety plans, transportation needs, child care/supervision needs, and other needs as applicable.
• Participates in the planning, coordination, and implementation of Foster Parent Appreciation events, Foster Parent Quarterly meetings, and other events as needed.
• Maintains and organizes foster parent records.
• Completes required annual training as specified in NWFHN contract.
• Maintains Child Welfare Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field from an accredited college or university required and two (2) years paid experience working with families, children, and/or youth; foster care experience preferred.
• Child Welfare Certification or ability to achieve certification in Child Welfare required.
• Proficiency in computer use and understanding of basic word processing and spreadsheet software required.
• Using the English language must have excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills that allow for professional interaction with families, staff, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Ability to travel extensively over a multi-county catchment area required.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality as situations dictate.
• Must have a valid driver’s license from the state of residence.
• Must have reliable transportation, proof of automobile liability insurance, and driving record that will allow coverage on Agency’s insurance policy.
• Must receive a satisfactory background check that includes a check of employment and personal references, criminal history, driving background, Florida Abuse Registry Check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character, Sex Offender Check, and pass a pre-employment physical examination including a TB skin test and drug screen.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: Must be able to drive, read reports, observe conditions related to work, view a computer screen, etc.
• Cognitive: Must be able to think independently, logically, and problem solve.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, employees, families and the general public.
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand to open files and operate office machines, mobility to drive, get in and out of private homes as well as work area, some standing for prolonged periods for presentations. Normal coordination including eye-hand and hand-foot.
• Climbing/Stooping, Kneeling: Must be able to stoop and kneel as needed to file, retrieve documents, assist families, and perform CPR and First Aid, etc.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift and carry up case files, lap top computer which may weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to write, type, use the telephone system, file, drive, etc.

As followers of Christ, our passion for serving is motivated by compassion and a calling to provide homes, healing, and hope. We strive to be there for individuals who need someone to care for them when those closest to them can’t adequately provide that care. Those we serve experience hardships no one should have to face, including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. We nurture these vulnerable individuals by embracing them, meeting them where they are, and loving them unconditionally. We’re not only providing them with homes, we’re giving them a system of support and care to help them flourish. While faith is the core of our mission, we are driven by a desire to nurture, support, and prepare individuals for productive, thriving futures. We believe we can break what often becomes a cycle of neglect and circumstance for many vulnerable children and families. Our caring and compassionate team works to change the trajectory of the lives of those we serve in our homes and our programs are centered around family preservation, foster care, and school readiness.