Licensing Specialist jobs in Richmond, VA

Do you want to work with a great team of professionals and help to make a positive difference in the lives of people every day? EnCircle is seeking a dynamic member for our new foster care program for unaccompanied immigrant children in Richmond, VA.

EnCircle’s Transitional Foster Care program is part of our Immigration and Refugee Services division. This program is in partnership with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) and serves unaccompanied children in the custody of Office of Refugee Resettlement, placing them in foster families in the Richmond area until they are reunited with family/sponsors in the U.S.  

The Licensing and Home Study Specialist is responsible for cultivating a robust network of strong foster families to host unaccompanied children referred to enCircle’s Transitional Foster Care program and will work closely with the Recruiting Specialist for Foster Care. This role requires the ongoing management of the licensing/re-licensing foster home process. This includes conducting all aspects of initial certification and pre-service training and on-going training of foster families. A successful Licensing and Home Study Specialist will maintain a working knowledge of the ORR Unaccompanied Children program and Virginia licensing standards and is well aware of child welfare best practices. This position will deliver innovative training congruent with best practice models including, but not limited to, trauma-informed and strengths-based care. This position will engage families in strategies to assist with stability of placements and retention. This role is responsible for the completion of home studies, coordinates team effort to maintain homes and minimize disruptions; and ensures quality assurance of foster family case documentation. EnCircle is a principles-driven organization that believes in creating a work environment where employees can thrive as they add value to our agency.

EnCircle requires all employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.  If you are hired, we will require you prove that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or are willing to be vaccinated subject to applicable laws.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field and 1 year experience in case management with children and families; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences, human services or social services fields and at least 2 years of experience in case management with children and families; OR
• Master’s degree in social work or related field and 1 year experience in child welfare/case management.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, preferred.
• Knowledge of foster care and/or unaccompanied children services strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills and an ability to effectively implement training and program presentations in front of groups.
• Excellent organizational, time and project management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage competing demands and multiple timelines across several ongoing projects.
• Ability to clearly explain program expectations of foster families as well as the realities of the UC pipeline being referred to enCircle based on a working knowledge of ORR Policy and Procedure and local state licensing requirements.
• Familiarity with training strategies and intervention techniques that may help to minimize disruptions in foster homes and maintain open homes.
• Cultural sensitivity and an ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions (using the UAC Portal, Microsoft Office, and any internal e-case management software).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accompany prospective foster families through the application and licensure process, assist with completing paperwork, develop a positive working relationship.
• Working knowledge of the ORR Transitional Foster Care program and local state licensing requirements.
• Coordinate with trainers regarding status of prospective parents and assist with training as needed.
• Manage retention efforts by developing and facilitating supportive activities for existing foster families.
• Coordinate with and report activities to the LIRS Program Manager for Foster Family Licensing and Recruitment.
• Conduct home visits for initial licensure and licensure renewal as needed.
• Performs administrative tasks, including submission of expense reports and employee leave reports.
• Participates in administrative supervision at least bi-weekly.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned to help the team (i.e. attendance at some recruitment events, collaborate with case managers as needed).

Why you'll love working at enCircle: 

We offer a competitive salary starting at $50,000 plus an exceptional benefits package including:  

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Nationwide Pet Insurance, including coverage for reptiles, birds and exotic pets
• 401(k) and 401(k) Matching  
• Employee Assistance Program , including access to Chaplain services  
• Educational Assistance Program   
• STD, LTD, Life, and AD&D Insurance 
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays 
• Flexible Schedule  
• Retention Bonus 
• Cell Phone Reimbursement  
• Unlimited access to Premium Calm App for staff plus friends and family
• Early access to paid wages with PayActiv