AFC ASSISTANT LICENSER

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to provide assistance to professional staff in the licensing and inspection of adult foster care (AFC) facilities and providers; to participate in the evaluation, certification and research of service providers; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Social Services Division within the Department of Human Services provides case management services and client advocacy assistance to the County’s low income, elderly and disabled residents through the Community Action Agency (CAA) and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The CAA agency serves a diverse client population though energy assistance, emergency housing, rental assistance, landlord-tenant issues and volunteer services programs. The AAA agency coordinates the provision of services to elderly and disabled residents, including administration of service contracts with senior centers and other County-wide service providers.

The AFC Assistant Licenser conducts inspections of adult foster care facilities for licensing renewals and to ensure correction of deficiencies at the direction of professional staff.

The AFC Assistant Licenser differs from the AFC Licensing Specialist that investigates all new applications for adult foster care facilities, responds to complaints and problem situations and participates in program planning and development. It also differs from the Case Manager Aide which provides administrative and paraprofessional assistance to professional service providers.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists in the licensing of commercial adult foster care facilities; conducts on-site renewal inspections; recommends approval or denial of licensing; monitors application process and maintains licensing records; refers unusual situations, deficiencies and violations to professional staff; recommends and monitors corrective action.
   
2. Participates in the certification of care givers and resident managers providing service in adult foster care homes; maintains application files; schedules, interviews and tests care givers for English comprehension.
   
3. Interviews care givers, residents, family members and other individuals in residential facilities; notes changes and reports to professional staff on the condition of residents and residences.
   
4. Participates in planning, organizing and presenting orientation and training programs for service providers; interprets and explains applicable rules and regulations.
   
5. Prepares and maintains records on service providers; collects program data, prepares reports and evaluates information for special studies; participates in in-service training; provides casework consultation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Methods and principles used to conduct licensing assessments and investigations; techniques of evaluating the appearance and condition of adult foster care homes and residents; public speaking and interviewing techniques; office procedures, practices and equipment, including computer keyboard operations.

Some knowledge of: Community resources for the elderly and disabled.

Skill to: Learn the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the licensing of adult foster care facilities; learn the certification requirements for adult foster care providers; interview and investigate adult foster care providers to obtain information needed to assess licensing eligibility; interpret procedures and requirements applicable to the relicensing of adult foster care facilities; learn basic medical terminology; organize and prioritize work load; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with providers, agencies and other social service professionals; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including public presentations; prepare and maintain accurate and legible records; enter and retrieve data on a computer.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Driver’s license or an acceptable alternative method of transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some duties include exposure to environmental factors and unpleasant living conditions and behaviors.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.

OTHER INFORMATION

The AFC Assistant Licenser is part of a promotional career path. Incumbents in the Assistant Licenser classification may be promoted to open positions in the AFC Licensing Specialist classification upon completion of an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required knowledge skills and abilities at the higher level must be documented in an approved promotional appraisal form.