Permanency Specialist

Children's Network of Hillsborough•Tampa, FL

4d•$26•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Must possess strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex child welfare cases effectively.
They should be adept at facilitating discussions, mediating conflicts, and synthesizing diverse perspectives to drive informed permanency decisions.
Critical thinking and attention to detail are essential for gathering and analyzing case information, drafting comprehensive reports, and making recommendations aligned with legal requirements and best practices.
Additionally, they must demonstrate a trauma-sensitive, strength-based approach when engaging families and youth.
Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for collaborating with various stakeholders, including legal professionals, social workers, and community partners, to ensure timely and successful permanency outcomes.
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
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.
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.

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.