Placement Specialist

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES OF SUNCOAST LLC•Largo, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the placement of youth into licensed foster care settings. Works to ensure thoughtful placement matching, effective communication regarding the child’s needs and plans for placement, sibling unification, and placement stability. May also identify the need for additional supportive or therapeutic services. May conduct comprehensive placement assessment MDTs, placement stabilization staffings, and participates in transition planning. In addition, specialist is responsible for a variety of placement related documentation.

Requirements

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university required.
At least one year experience working with at risk children and families, preferably as a Case Manager or CPI, with 1-2 years experience with child welfare data systems.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, manuals, journals, and financial reports.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to write reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before small and large groups.
Ability to calculate figures, amounts, and percentages.
Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables with a minimum of direction.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs and other child welfare-related data systems.
Knowledge of Florida statutes relative to child welfare.
Knowledge of FSFN.
Clear a Level II Background screening (Live Scan) in which your fingerprints will be used to conduct the screening.
Clear a reference check.
Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside.
Clear a substance abuse screen.
Provide a copy of all 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.

Nice To Haves

Child Welfare Professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

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 the least restrictive and allows the child to remain in the same school/community.
Responsible for keeping siblings together in placement whenever possible.
Ensure that all placements which result in the over cap of a home obtain approval prior to placement finalization.
Work cooperatively with FSS provider agencies and other service providing entities.
Assist with placement stabilization once the children are in foster care.
May 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.
May also conduct or attend Comprehensive Placement Assessment MDTs, transition staffings, and sibling separation planning.
Accurately complete documentation for waivers and placement entry 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.
Engage in effective and positive customer service with all key stakeholders, foster parents, and group home providers.
Provide detailed and accurate information regarding youth to prospective placement resources, including Child Placement Agreements and care precautions.
Provide coverage for other placement shifts, holidays, and weekends on a rotating basis as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned as needed.