Licensing Supervisor

Job Summary

Provides direct oversight, administration, and supervision of the adult and child foster care programs and the childcare licensing programs. This involves the interpretation and implementation of federal and state statutes and rules, and the development of licensing practices and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable program requirements. Assumes responsibility, in conjunction with the Children’s Services Manager, for setting work standards and evaluating unit performance. Reviews the performance of the unit based on county, state and federal standards and monitoring of unit activities toward achievement of the unit and agency service goals. Responsibilities include hiring staff, supervision, training and development of personnel, and completing performance evaluations.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises all licensing activities for family foster (adult and child) and daycare homes and corporate sites. 
• Hires, trains, directs, and supervises staff in the licensing of child and adult foster care, corporate foster care, and childcare programs. 
• Resolves or clarifies complex problems that arise within the licensing of child care or foster care programs. 
• Reviews all recommendations for licensing sanctions, analyzes problems, and determines course of action as needed. This includes coordination and communication with County Attorney’s Office and other court partners and involvement in administrative appeal hearings.
• Develops, implements, revises, monitors, and maintains oversight of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws, rules, and regulations. 
• Develops and implements service goals, objectives, improvement strategies, and new programs to meet provider needs. 
• Generates, evaluates, and assesses program and activity reports, statistics, and program evaluations as needed.   
• Supports unit to recruit, evaluate, recommend, or deny licensure for child foster care, adult foster care, corporate foster care, and family and group family child care programs per state rules, statutes, and agency standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
• Collaborates and communicates with DHS and other partners to evaluate relevant policies, statutes, practices, and implementation of new program requirements. 
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree and four years professional social work experience. Supervisory experience and foster care or child care licensing experience preferred. Valid driver's license required. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction of the Children's Services Manager. Employee uses independent judgment, initiative, and discretion consistent with policies of the Health & Human Services Division and other relevant statutory and regulatory requirements in performing the duties of the position. Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, objectives achieved, and quality controls of the federal/state regulatory agencies, as well as those developed within the program. 

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and policies relating to the operation of the Child Care and Foster Care Licensing programs.
• Knowledge of available community resources for issues facing providers.
• Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
• Ability to organize work efficiently, assign work equitably and effectively, to stimulate growth and evaluate staff performance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, clients, and the community.
• Ability to comprehend a variety of written materials, develop procedures, and interpret the meaning and intent to subordinates.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and make decisions regarding appropriate action.
• Ability to work in stressful situations and mediate conflicts.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software, state systems and new technologies for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
• Applies knowledge and demonstration of culturally responsive practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.