Job Summary:

Responsible for investigating Special Conditions reports known as Foster Care Referrals as it pertains to foster children from either a case management or licensing perspective. Foster Care Referrals are concerns reported to the Hotline related to the care provided to a child in a licensed foster home, and in an out of home placement with a relative or non-relative, or concerns related to a childs safety, permanency, or well-being for families under protective supervision that do not meet the criteria for acceptance of a report of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. These referrals may include placement disruptions and case plan or safety plan violations. The intent is to provide notification to the child welfare professional to reassess the childs safety, permanency, and well-being. These referrals may include situations involving the removal caregiver which impact the childs safety. This position will make recommendations regarding corrective actions for licensed foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers or actions needed by case management to resolve any identified concerns. This position provides additional support and analysis of licensed foster parents, relative or non-relative home functioning through the coordination of client relations complaints.

The position will be required to conduct investigations into client complaints received through FSS, DCF and the Office of the Inspector General. Tracking of client complaints and their outcomes in tandem with the Quality Management Manager.

This position will also include knowledge and application of the current Quality Management Specialist, including but not limited to conducting quality case management reviews and post consultations as it relates to Foster Care Referral Reviews, Life of Case Reviews, Special Project Reviews and CFSR

Federal Reviews and report outcomes to the Quality Management Manager. This position will assist as needed in processing and tracking of incident reports in Mindshare and DCF portal if it meets the criteria.

This position will require face to face home visits and field work.

Job Duties

Assess reported concerns reported in Foster Care Referrals, conduct home/field visits to complete interviews, formulate recommendations for corrective actions when needed, and document outcomes in FSFN.

Document receipt and outcomes for all Foster Care Referrals. Report on trends monthly, making recommendations for larger system interventions as identified.

Conduct staffings within 5 days of Foster Care Referrals and at closure, when warranted, with all relevant parties.

Create corrective action plans and route for approval.

Track needed exit interviews, review feedback, and follow up as needed.

Monitor completion of needed Child Placement Agreements.

To treat foster parents, the public and co-workers with courtesy, respect and dignity and present a positive public image.

Conduct Quality Management Case Reviews, client relations/complaints

Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. A Masters degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Experience: Three to five years experience working with children and families with an emphasis on child welfare services. Prior dependency case management and foster home licensing strongly preferred. Must be a current certified child welfare case worker.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:

• Understand and commit to the FSS mission.
• Determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Work effectively with the Case Management Organizations, Child Placing Agencies, Director of Judicial Case Management, Director of Non-Judicial Case Management/Family Preservation, the Director of Licensing, and placement and licensing staff to execute programs and services
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Plan workloads, workflows, deadlines, work objectives and time utilization.

Knowledge of:

• Crisis intervention and problem solving techniques.
• Social, economic, health and/or rehabilitative services objectives.
• Methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Corrective Action Planning
• DCF CFOPs, specifically 170-1, Chapter 16.
• Foster home licensing regulations
• Child Welfare Safety Practice
• Florida Administrative Code
• Florida Statutes