Description
Job Title : Foster Care Licensing Specialist
Location : Wellspring Gaylord
Reports to : Foster Care Licensing Supervisor
Position Type : Full-Time | Salary
Applications accepted through November 26, 2025
Wellspring Lutheran Services is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to serving families and children in need of support. We are currently seeking a Foster Care Licensing Specialist to join our Foster Care team in Gaylord, serving families throughout Otsego and Alpena counties. This role strengthens communities by ensuring foster families are well-prepared, supported and successfully licensed to care for children in need.
Responsibilities
- Complete initial assessments of new foster parent applicants.
- Complete annual and renewal license assessments, and all licensing activities related to changes in the foster home.
- Conduct, monitor and review special investigations of licensed foster homes, and provide appropriate recommendations and corrective action plans, as applicable.
- Create and implement effective plans to recruit and retain foster families, including presentations, attending events in the community, newsletters, special events, awards, gifts of appreciation and support groups.
- Schedule and provide pre-service and ongoing training for prospective foster parents at times convenient for families.
- Provide orientation for prospective foster families to facilitate the application process.
- Obtain referrals and intake information, and assist in making placements in compliance with rules and policy.
- Visit each assigned foster home at least once each quarter.
- Maintain accurate records, confidentiality and timely reports.
- Attend staff meetings and treatment planning meetings as required.
- Transport clients as needed.
- Provide emergency, on-call interventions after hours and on holidays, as required.
- Integrate learning from required DHHS training into day-to-day responsibilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field (required)Experience working with children and families (preferred)Valid Michigan driver’s license, car registration and auto insurance (required)Reliable, compassionate, and committed to high-quality serviceSchedule and Compensation
Schedule : Full-time, 40 hours per weekPay rate : $41,500+ / year , based off of experienceOn-call : Participation in on-call rotation with the teamOffice-based with flexible schedulingTravel : position travels into the community to see clients in their homes and attend community events, milage reimbursement provided.Benefits
Supportive team of social workers, administrative staff and leadersWeekly and as needed supervision and supportAdministrative support with tasks such as filing and documentation requestsHealth, vision and dental insurance403(b) retirement planPTO and paid holidaysDailyPay – flexibility to access your pay when neededWellspring SupportLinc – employee assistance programLocation
Wellspring Lutheran Services – Gaylord Office
1260 S Otsego Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
Join Wellspring and use your social work expertise to empower children and families across Northern Michigan. Apply today to become part of a compassionate, mission-driven team making a difference every day
Full job description available during the interview.