Licensing Representative at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services – Fairview Heights, Illinois

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the recruitment, training, and retention of foster parents, including the implementation of marketing activities that will increase the number of foster parents. Assists foster care staff in the identification of parents for newly referred children, or children in need of a new placement. Provides support to foster parents who are experiencing difficulties with a placement; receives and investigates licensing complaints involving HYFS foster parents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements strategies to recruit new foster parents, including development of recruitment brochures and presentations to community groups. Responds to inquiries concerning becoming a foster parent, providing initial information and follow up to prospective foster parents.
• Conducts home studies and background checks for foster parent applicants, assuring they are in compliance with DCFS rules concerning foster parents. Recommends the issuance of licenses as appropriate. Arranges for prospective foster parents to receive required initial DCFS training
• Assist relative foster care providers in becoming licensed, problem solve any barriers, to ensure home compliance with DCFS regulations regarding standards for relatives.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of foster home openings and the willingness of foster parents to accept children or sibling groups of varying ages and needs. Assists the foster care unit to locate homes for newly referred children and children who are in need of a different foster home placement.
• Complies with DCFS regulations concerning semi-annual licensing home visits and relicensing requirements. Submits required paperwork to open, close or change the foster home license.
• Provides support to foster parents who are experiencing problems that may result in a placement disruption, in coordination with the child’s caseworker.
• Receives and reviews licensing complaints; investigates as needed and takes necessary action to resolve the complaint consistent with DCFS rules and the best interests of involved children
• Arranges in-service training opportunities for Hoyleton’s foster parents.
• Completes and maintains foster home records as required by DCFS and HYFS policy.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the foster parent law compliance plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• The ability to recruit foster parents and evaluate their suitability of their homes for foster care placement;
• Able to work cooperatively and promote teamwork; excellent interpersonal skills;
• The ability to provide services in a manner that reflects appreciation for the cultural background heritage, and identity of each child;
• An understanding of the issues of separation and loss for children in care;
• Excellent oral and written skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in social work or a related human services field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in foster care services required.
• Master’s degree from an accredited program in social work or a related human services field preferred.
• DCFS licensure or eligibility for licensure required.

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Monthly refresher opportunities are provided. Employees who fall out of compliance may be required to retake the full course. Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI are essential to job performance.

BENEFITS

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts