Permanency Specialist

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job

Schedule, facilitate, monitor, document, and track the Permanency Staffing. This includes coordinating and facilitating staffings that may result in competing opinions and recommendations from case participants. Utilize a trauma-sensitive, strength-based approach to engaging families and youth in moving the case toward permanency as outline in Florida Statute Chapter 39.  Specialists gather and analyze information to drive safety and permanency decisions. Ability to hear all sides and mediate disagreements during staffings to ensure effective communication between participating individuals and identify strengths within the family. Responsible for drafting written reports for the court with clear permanency recommendations and a plan to ensure achievement of the permanency goal. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with the child welfare system.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule, facilitate, monitor, document, and track permanency staffing
• Provide subject matter expertise in dependency processes, statute and code
• Knowledge of permanency options, by statutory preference  and legal requirements to achieve each
• Develop tracking to ensure Permanency staffings are completed prior to critical case junctures
• Monitor Permanency Reporting in FSFN and Mindshare
• Complete timely documentation of Permanency Staffings in FSFN
• Complete staffing reports with permanency recommendations
• Ensure completion of trainings to ensure maintenance of  full Child Welfare Certification through the Florida Certification Board.
• Identify System of Care needs and provide technical assistance to supply them
• Deliver services that assure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in the care of the Children’s Network of Hillsborough
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position.

Working Hours

Children’s Network of Hillsborough’s standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position is an in-office based position that averages 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary outside of these standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet operational demands. All hours worked will be compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and agency policies, including applicable overtime and other compensation requirements.

Travel

Travel in and outside of Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County) may be required.

Training

All employees are required to complete fifteen (15) hours of training annually, which may be completed online or in a classroom setting. Employees who hold a credential or license relevant to their position must ensure that all training and continuing education requirements are met to maintain their credential or licensure.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related Human Services degree
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare is required, Supervisory experience is preferred
• Knowledge of quality management systems and procedures
• Florida Certification as a full Child Protection Professional prior to hire

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional leadership and communication skills, fostering collaboration across all organizational levels. Possess a strong aptitude for analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making, they excel at solving complex problems and implementing effective solutions. Proficient in project management, they adeptly handle multifaceted initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met and budgets are maintained. Highly adaptable to fast-paced and dynamic environments, they prioritize tasks efficiently while leveraging operational software and tools to enhance productivity. Strategic planning expertise and a commitment to fostering teamwork enable them to drive organizational success.

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Valid driver’s license, clean driver’s license check, and proof of insurance is required
• Criminal background screening (Local Law Enforcement, FBI/FDLE, and Abuse Registry)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify

Other Requirements

Language Skills

Should have strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with families, youth, and professionals in the child welfare system. The ability to clearly articulate case findings, mediate discussions, and facilitate staffings is essential. Proficiency in drafting detailed reports, court documents, and permanency recommendations is also critical. Active listening, cultural competency, and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and empathetic manner are key language skills for success in this role.

Reasoning Ability

Must have strong reasoning and critical thinking abilities to assess complex child welfare cases and make well-informed decisions. They need to evaluate diverse perspectives, analyze case information, and apply sound judgment to develop appropriate permanency plans. The ability to interpret and apply child welfare laws, policies, and best practices is essential for ensuring compliance and effective case resolution. Additionally, they must navigate competing opinions, mediate disagreements, and identify solutions that prioritize the child’s best interests. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to think strategically under pressure are crucial for ensuring timely and successful permanency outcomes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required.

Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel among agency locations, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA:    Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:     Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember:  If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current leadership, prior to applying.