Job Summary:

Secure appropriate placement for foster children and facilitate placement stability. In addition to finding placement for foster children, the placement specialist assists in preventing children from coming into licensed care by ensuring the Foster Care Redesign model is followed by DCF Child Protection Investigator and Family Services Counselor.

Education:

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university required

Experience:

At least one year experience working with at risk children and families, preferably as a Case Manager, with 1-2 years experience with child welfare data systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications 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:

• Read and interpret documents such as contracts, manuals, journals, and financial reports.
• Communicate effectively with staff.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before small and large groups.
• Calculate figures, amounts, and percentages.
• Solve problems and deal with a variety of variables with a minimum of direction.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Utilize Microsoft Office programs and other child welfare-related data systems.

Knowledge of:

• Florida statutes relative to child welfare.

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening.
• Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside.
• Clear a substance abuse screen.
• Clear a Motor Vehicle Records check
• Provide a copy of all certifications and degrees prior to your first day of employment.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration:

Child Welfare Professional certification preferred.

Essential Duties:

Identify and make appropriate placements for children in foster care. Take an active role in the arrangement of placements. Provide assistance regarding difficult placement challenges. Ensure all children that are removed and placed into out-of-home care are placed in appropriate foster/ group home settings that are least restrictive. Responsible for keeping siblings together in placement whenever possible. Will conduct separated-sibling staffing with the FSS provider agencies when sibling placement is not possible. Ensure that all placements which result in the over cap of a home obtain verbal approval from FSS Placement Director or designated representative prior to the placement; followed by immediate submission of written request for waiver. Work cooperatively with FSS provider agencies and other service providing entities. Submission of all Kids Central forms/documents within the expected time frame to include age out plans for children turning 18 and leaving foster care.

Assist with placement stabilization once the children are in foster care. Conduct staffings with service providers and the CMOs to discuss gaps in services and supports needed to maintain placement. Work with other departments within FSS to resolve placement issues.

Accurately enter information into FSFN (Florida Safe Families Network), and/or other required systems, on a daily basis and in accordance with specified deadlines. Validate all data entered into the system. Collection, tracking, and follow up on Child Placement Agreements, Exit Interviews, & FSC Review of FP forms.

On call based on rotation and following the same protocol for placement during normal working business hours.