Licensing Representative / Recruitment Specialist

Lydia Home Association is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services and support to children and families in need. Our mission is to create a nurturing and safe environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. We operate residential programs and child welfare services, collaborating with the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure the well-being of the children under our care.

Function The Licensing Representative/Recruitment Specialist is responsible for the recruiting, training, retaining, and tracking of all families who serve as foster families at Lydia Home.

Responsibilities 

• Develop, maintain, and evaluate tracking systems for all information pertinent to licensing and recruitment.
• Develop, implement, and facilitate recruitment strategies for long-term, emergency/ respite foster and adoptive homes.
• Network and present at suburban and urban churches for recruitment. Network with other agencies and participate in LAN and other committees and organizations specific to foster- and adoptive-parent recruitment and licensing.
• Develop and present the ministry of foster care and adoption to churches and in other appropriate settings.
• Screen prospective foster parents using the intake/referral tool.
• Conduct initial home visits to prospective foster parents to explain the licensing process and provide the initial application packet.
• Conduct compliance visits to current foster parents.
• Develop, implement, and facilitate training for foster and adoptive parents.
• Participate in the planning and development of foster parent events, including an annual foster care picnic.
• Maintain current knowledge pertaining to foster parent licensing, recruitment, and training; continue professional development through seminars and conferences.
• Participate in all LHA staff functions, weekly foster care meetings, and supervision.
• Participate in quality assurance/quality improvement activities.
• Participate in fundraising activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Lydia Home Association is an equal opportunity employer.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated skill in the following areas: public relations/public speaking, networking, recruitment and training, and administration and organization.
• Must have experience with the foster care system, and either possess or pass Rule 402 Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes, the Child Care Act, and CERAP certification within 3 weeks of starting.
• The ability to schedule one’s time and to work autonomously is imperative.
• Must provide own transportation and have valid State of Illinois driver’s license.
• Must be willing and able to support the mission and Christian values of Lydia Home Association.