Foster Care Recruitment and Licensing Specialist

Position Summary:

• The Foster Care Recruitment and Licensing Specialist supports the growth of the foster care programs including the recruitment and licensing of families for foster care, foster/adopt, and respite care, specifically targeting Spanish speaking and Sudanese foster families, and foster homes for teenagers and medically complex youth.

Job Duties:

• Develop and implement detailed recruitment activities for all programs, including providing public speaking at churches, schools, and other community organizations, specifically targeting Spanish-speaking foster families, Sudanese foster families, and foster homes for teenagers and medically complex youth.
• Prepare program promotional materials and website materials in collaboration with Development and Public Relations staff.
• Market the program through the identification of key contacts in the community and the development of positive working relationships with key persons/organizations.
• Assess potential foster parents through the process of home study, as detailed by the State of Nebraska guidelines.
• Complete licensing process and compliance reviews for potential foster homes and LFS homes requiring re-licensure.
• Provide quarterly reports on recruitment plan implementation, training, and licensure activities.
• Participate in regular supervision sessions to review recruitment plans, discuss training topics, and monitor progress.
• Continue personal and professional growth and development through reading, research, workshops, seminars, and other strategies.
• Attend and participate in local, regional, and statewide staff meetings for supervision, team building, and program planning.
• Ensure all office and record security procedures are followed.
• Seek needed guidance in handling difficult client situations and establishing priorities for the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of the child welfare system and the ability to learn and understand Nebraska child placing regulations and contracts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.

Position Competencies:

• Organizational Skills
• Innovation
• Relationship building

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field required and at least one year of experience in a human services field preferred.
• Bilingual language skills preferred.
• Experience in providing training or adult education preferred.
• Previous experience with the child welfare system, specifically foster care, and experience with foster parent requirements strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Hybrid work environment (in office and remote).
• Laptop and company-issued cell phone.
• Driving throughout the Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster, and smaller surrounding counties to meet with clients in their homes to conduct home study visits.

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• human services: 1 year (Preferred)
• Child welfare: 1 year (Preferred)
• Child protective services: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)
• Arabic (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Omaha, NE 68102: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person