Licensing Specialist in Sarasota, Florida at Safe Children Coalition Inc

At Safe Children Coalition, our mission is to protect children and youth, strengthen families, and build community. As a Licensing Specialist, you will play a critical role in this mission by guiding and supporting foster families through the licensing process — ensuring every child has access to a safe, nurturing home. This role is ideal for someone who combines empathy with attention to detail, thrives on meaningful connection, and is driven to make a daily impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish trusting relationships with prospective and current foster families.
• Conduct comprehensive, trauma-informed home studies and caregiver interviews.
• Evaluate each family's readiness to provide safe, stable, and supportive care tailored to the unique needs of children in foster care.
• Manage the end-to-end licensing and re-licensing process for foster families.
• Ensure all licensing requirements, documentation, and timelines comply with regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold agency and state guidelines.
• Conduct regular home visits and check-ins with foster families to assess well-being and compliance.
• Identify potential challenges early and offer proactive solutions and resources.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact, providing encouragement, education, and advocacy to foster families.
• Interview and assess perspective foster families
• Complete all initial and relicensing requirements for prospective foster families
• Assist families with required trainings
• Conduct all required procedures for annual re-licensing of foster families
• Conduct required retention/waiver visits
• Attendance and preparation of documentation for case review consultations for foster homes
• Participation in case review consultations when applicable for dependency related case review consultations
• Provides support and advocacy for assigned foster families
• Participation in foster home recruitment activities and education
• Increase public awareness of the need for safe, appropriate foster homes.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis

A comprehensive benefits program including:

• 5 weeks of PTO accruals available during the first year of employment
• 12 paid holidays
• Professional development
• Ongoing coaching and feedback
• Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)

Health Benefits with shared premium costs, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement

Starting at: $48,000.00

LIST OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Possess valid Florida Driver’s License in good standing and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier. Must meet state criminal background check requirements. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Knowledge of community resources.

Must meet all driving requirements and guidelines to operate SCC fleet vehicles and/or a personal vehicle for work-related activities.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of two years social services experience. Child Welfare Certification preferred or must obtain within 1 year of employment.