Placement Specialist II (7764)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Myers, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a talented Placement Specialist II to make an impact in the lives of others. This role is responsible for coordinating and arranging out-of-home placements for children requiring placement into licensed foster care in Lee County. The position requires treating customers, the public, and staff with courtesy, respect, and dignity, and presenting a positive image. The employee must keep their supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events, and potential problems. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills in daily work. Supports the program and works with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of the program. The employee will make every reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area. Attends and successfully completes all mandated training courses, including Pre-service Training. This position is primarily responsible for the placement of children, unification of siblings who are separated, placement stabilization staffing, movement of children from shelter, and transportation of youth to and from placement as needed. This position must maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Requirements

• Must have a Child Welfare Certificate Certified by Florida Certification Board.
• A valid Florida driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Must be able to use own vehicle to perform job duties.
• Ability to travel locally and out of local area in the execution of professional duties and for training/conferences.
• Bachelor’s degree within the Human Services field.
• Graduation from accredited four-year college/university in human services providing direct service to children, youth and their families.
• Must have a Child Protection Certificate.
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in Child Welfare.
• Good written and verbal communication, time management, organizational and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Ability to function in a team setting, and professionally serve a diverse multi-cultural client population.
• Dependability, discretion and good judgment are essential.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with co-workers and the general public.
• Must be able to function in the community without the presence of direct supervision.
• Must be able to maintain high level of professional responsibility in reporting activities, conduct and schedule to supervisor.
• Effective environmental support services to client families assigned.
• Effectively function as a team player with the assigned Case Manager.
• Adherence to the Personnel Policies and Procedures of Lutheran Services Florida and the policies of the Foster Care Program.
• Professional execution of program responsibilities to the Department of Children and Families as the grantor agency and the source of program funding.
• Adherence to the professional standards and ethics of the social service and counseling profession.
• Accurate, complete and timely documentation of case related activities.

Responsibilities

• Review placement intakes to assess child’s unique needs and determine appropriate placement options in the least restrictive level of care. This includes communication with placement providers (i.e. foster homes, group homes, shelters, etc) to discuss child’s needs.
• Facilitate placement stabilization staffings with families, youth, case management, and providers.
• Act as a liaison to shelters and conduct periodic in-person staffings to discuss placement of children.
• Ensure that placement and sibling stability outcome measures are evaluated weekly and action plans developed to meet designated outcomes.
• Participate in the on-call after hours schedule for placements.
• Maintain professional communication and teamwork as a liaison with referral sources.
• Represent Foster Care Program in court proceedings if required.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and inter-agency staffing on clients as required.
• Compile required reports and required FSFN data entry and submit to supervisor in a timely manner, including progress notes, reports to the Department of Children and Families and courts as the needs dictate.
• Adhere to professional standards and ethics.
• Carry and maintain an agency cell phone.
• Other duties as reasonably assigned by unit Supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level