Treatment Foster Care (TFC) Licensing Specialist

Job Code: 2026-SPECIALI-047 | Location: Milwaukee | Department: Specialized Service Programs | Full-time

About the Role

The Treatment Foster Care (TFC) Licensing Specialist is responsible for licensing foster parents in accordance with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) statute 56. This role includes training, licensing, and recruitment of foster parents for WCS. In addition to the licensing component, the TFC Licensing Specialist may assist with aspects of foster care placements, including the coordination of care for children/youth, the families, and WCS treatment foster parents.

WCS’ TFC program provides services in collaboration with the Division of Milwaukee Child Welfare. This includes utilization of person-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally intelligent care to provide intensive and individualized care for children/youth and their families to achieve stability, safety, and permanency.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment of new treatment foster homes by doing community outreach and attending recruitment events.
• License and train Level 3 and Level 4 Treatment Foster Care homes in accordance with DCF 56, including completing all licensing paperwork by due dates (background checks, SAFE Home Study, references, Home Floor Plan, Disaster/Emergency Plan, verification of insurance, pet vaccinations, medical documentation, and other DCF 56 requirements).
• Facilitate all state-required Nurturing Connections training modules for foster parents prior to placement.
• Ensure foster parents complete required training hours and track these hours for each home, including providing or arranging individualized training to meet child-specific needs.
• Regularly review and maintain foster parent files (electronic and hard copy) to ensure compliance with DCF 56 requirements.
• Facilitate aspects of foster care placements, including:
  • Conducting at least twice-monthly visits with children.
  • Assessing treatment needs and completing treatment plans.
  • Assisting in problem-solving and addressing treatment issues affecting placements.
  • Participating in team meetings and communicating with foster parents.
• Assist with review and maintenance of child files when necessary.
• Provide coverage for youth and foster parents when other TFC Specialists are unavailable.
• Offer crisis intervention support to foster parents, including 24/7 on-call availability via cell phone.
• Maintain confidentiality in all written and verbal communications.
• Notify referring agencies (Division of Milwaukee Child Welfare) of emergencies or critical incidents, including completion of DCF’s Critical Incident Form.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly supervision.
• Assist with gathering information for monthly reports, data collection, and other agency/contract requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of human services (Master’s degree in Social Work preferred).
• Minimum of two years of experience providing services to children and families.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance meeting agency requirements.
• Must pass employee requirements, including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver’s license check.
• General knowledge of behavioral health resources for children in Milwaukee County.
• Upon hire, complete TFC orientation training (DCF 56 and DCF 54 trainings, SAFE Home Study training, Nurturing Connections training of the trainer, Prudent Parenting, and other appointed courses).
• Ability to serve people during crisis situations.

Skills

• Communication: Ability to provide information effectively to diverse populations (clients, supervisors, colleagues, and program partners) in writing and verbally.
• Technological Aptitude: Proficiency in email (Microsoft Outlook), internet, Microsoft Word, and AWARDS.
• Managing Priorities/Deadlines: Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
• Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and solution-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage change, handle unexpected situations, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate productively while managing independent duties.
• Motivation: Commitment to the job, mission, and core values of the organization while supporting a respectful and harmonious work environment.
• Professionalism: High level of integrity, ethics, and boundaries.
• Multicultural Sensitivity: Ability to interact professionally with diverse populations, including peers, partners, and service providers.

Pay

Salary Range: $49,000 - $55,000

Schedule

• Shifts: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Flexible work schedule required to meet the needs of the people being served.
• On-call availability for crisis intervention support (24/7 via cell phone).

Work Environment

• Work is performed in office, community, and home settings, including Milwaukee County Children’s Court, schools, and other locations.
• Travel is required.
• Noise levels range from low to medium.
• Must be able to navigate stairs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.