Service Utilization Specialist (64843)

Family Support Services•Largo, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Service Utilization Specialist serves a vital role in connecting children and families involved in the child welfare system with appropriate support services. Working closely with case managers, community providers, and other key stakeholders the specialist ensures timely and effective referrals to services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, housing assistance, and educational support. This position is responsible for reviewing case plans and service needs, verifying service availability and eligibility, coordinating referrals, tracking service engagement, and following up to ensure delivery and progress. The specialist also helps identify gaps in services and advocates for resource development to meet the needs of vulnerable families. Success in this role requires strong knowledge of child welfare policies, trauma-informed care principles, and local/community-based resources. The specialist must maintain detailed and accurate documentation, support compliance with regulatory requirements, and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to promote child safety, permanency, and family well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field with 2 years’ experience in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and/or utilization management required.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to: Represent self and the organization in a professional manner
Work independently with little direct supervision
Think and write creatively
Assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/ decisions
Research, organize and analyze data
Solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
Establish and maintain relationships
Work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
Follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
Read, research and interpret documents such as newspapers, contracts, manuals, journals, financial reports, etc.
Communicate effectively through writing including articles, presentations, speeches, reports, correspondence, and documentation.
Speak effectively before small and large groups.
Calculate figures and amounts.
Maintain confidential information
Ability to perceive and communicate with sensitivity and without judgement while respecting each person’s potential.
Command of the principles of permanency for children.
Identifies and understands what resources are available, and builds and maintains effective working relationships with a network of systems.
Consult with Child Welfare staff inquiring about connecting families with existing resources within the structure of the Child Welfare Practice Model.
Ability to make public presentations and represent the agency in various settings.
Ability to develop long-range and short-range objectives including monitoring and corrective action plans.
Ability to be proactive, decisive and employ crisis intervention principles appropriately.
Oversee the authorization and utilization of services to ensure resources are maximized.
Authorize service allocation and coordinate service delivery, including crisis intervention linkages, with providers and community resources.
Ensure family support and placement stabilization through linkage and consultation.
Ability to network with, educate and involve community stakeholders.
Commitment to assuring the safety of children in the context of their family.
Knowledge of Florida’s child welfare policies, statutes, and administrative codes regarding services to dependent children, including best practices in child welfare services.
Demonstrated ability to partner with collaterals and Service providers.
Advanced computer/data entry skills.
Identifies and understands what resources are available and builds and maintains effective working relationships with a network of systems.
Knowledge of basic computer programs including email, word processing, and in-office information systems.
Strong Written and Verbal Communication
Strong follow-up and follow through
Strong organizational and time management
Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word.
Clear a Level II Background screening (Live Scan) in which your fingerprints will be used to conduct the screening. Please see the link with further details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
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 (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field preferred.
Prior experience coordinating services for children and families with complex needs preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with case managers and other stakeholders to identify service needs based on assessments and case plans.
Facilitate timely referrals to a wide range of services, including mental health, substance use treatment, parenting education, housing assistance, medical care, and developmental screenings.
Verify service availability and eligibility requirements; ensure referrals align with local and state child welfare regulations as well as client needs.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of referrals, service engagement, and client progress in the service referral system.
Track and follow up on service delivery to ensure timely access, address barriers, and monitor outcomes.
Coordinate with internal staff and external community-based providers to build and maintain a network of resources.
Support efforts to identify service gaps and make recommendations for resource development or community partnerships.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies related to service provision and documentation.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case staffings, and care planning as needed.
Maximize use of available resources, ensuring the best use of providers, services, and fund sources using expertise to guide as needed regarding the best service and provider.
Enter referrals for service into the Service Referral system, monitor for provider acceptance, obtain regular provider feedback, and validate invoices for reimbursement.
Performs other duties as assigned and relevant to meeting the needs of children and families within the system of care.