Family Finder Program Coordinator II

CHILDRENS NETWORK OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA LLC•Fort Myers, FL

29d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for coordination of the Family Finder Program to locate, engage and recommend safe placement of children with relatives and non-relatives in collaboration with the Child Protective Investigators (CPI) and Case Managers (CM). This position will support CPI and CM staff in family finding efforts by identifying all possible connections of the child through engagement of the child and family members. Family Finder will assess identified kin caregivers through the homestudy process, advise Case Managers of the recommendation, and have the homestudy filed with the court. This position must have a strong value and belief system that children do best when placed with kin, which minimizes trauma for the child(ren) being removed from their home and enhances child well-being.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the Human Service or other related field.
Current certification as a child protection professional – preferred or eligibility upon hire
Must pass a Level II Background Check.
Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
Clean Driver’s License check is a requirement
Child Welfare certification is required for this position or eligibility upon hire
Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
Drug Screening is a requirement
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, percentages, ability to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to be proactive, as well as handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to sit for extended periods; walk; stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.
Visual acuity sufficient to read and operate standard modern office machines.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Current certification as a child protection professional
Eligibility for Child Welfare certification upon hire

Responsibilities

Coordinate the implementation of the Family Finders program to identify and locate familial connections and possible placements for children in licensed out-of-home care.
Interview and assess potential family connections.
Conduct visits with children and youth to assess potential familial connections.
Attend shelter hearings to engage with biological parents to assess potential familial connections.
Conduct case file reviews, internet searches and other family finding techniques to identify potential familial connections.
Conduct follow-up with all individuals who have expressed interest in the child.
Provide overall coordination of the Family Finding program in accordance with major program goals.
Facilitate communication with Child Protective Investigators and Case Managers.
Ensure all family finding efforts are documented in FSFN.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other departments, agencies, and community partners.
Coordinate training of case management staff on Family Finding program.
Provide technical assistance as needed.
Provide on-going support to case managers as they support children and families by modeling a nonjudgmental trauma-informed approach to building familial connections.
Assist in the development of the Family Finding program goals and assistance in locating community resources as needed.
Maintain data collection tracking system.
Produce periodic reports as requested.
Assess identified kin caregivers through the homestudy process.
Advise Case Manager and Supervisor of recommended outcome of the homestudy and file with the court.
Participate in transition staffings and MDTs as needed to coordinate placement with the identified kin caregiver.
Provide ongoing supports to kin caregivers and connect them with community resources.
Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested.