Job Description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Family Finder Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This position is responsible for linking children with placements and connections to kin and fictive kin by locating, engaging, and assessing potential placements for children in licensed care. This position must have a strong value and belief system that children do best when placed with kin/fictive kin, which minimizes trauma for the child(ren) being removed from their home and enhances child well-being.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate the identification and location of 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(ren).
• Assure compliance regarding current federal, state, and local laws, contracts, accreditation standards, and policies and procedures.
• Apply critical thinking to create strategies and interventions resulting in measurable increased performance related to reducing children in licensed care
• Provide effective support and technical assistance to Case Management teams to identify and engage potential relatives and non-relatives as connections and placement resources.
• Create reports and recommendations-based performance trends and outcomes.
• Leads the tracking of completion of placement leads, home studies, and background checks on potential placements.
• Document appropriate information into FSFN within 48 hours.
• Complete Abuse Registry and complete criminal background screenings.
• Make placement recommendations to the court at scheduled hearings.
• Provide and locate ongoing support services for Relative/Non-Relative Caregiver families regardless of if cases being active or closed.
• Develop ongoing resources for Relative/Non-Relative Caregivers and make them accessible both electronically and manually.
• Follow-up support on initial placements and assist Child Welfare Case Managers, as needed, to ensure placement recommendations are completed.
• Attend appropriate staffing\'s to advocate for the best interest of the children served.
• Track and log all appropriate information for monthly reports.
• Travel throughout the Circuit
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours and travel as needed.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and tolerate extended periods of data entry.

Education:

Education \xe2\x80\x93 bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree from an accredited university in the areas of psychology, social work, or related human service field; master\xe2\x80\x99s degree preferred; Child Welfare Certification required.

Experience:

Minimum of two years of Florida child welfare experience is preferred as well as experience working in Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) Integrated Child Welfare Information System. Supervisory experience preferred.

Skills:

Incumbent must possess knowledge of statutes, contract terms, data analysis, and performance standards. Ability to analyze data and trends, apply that information to accepted standards, and create written reports and presentations. Must be detail-oriented and highly organized, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Computer experience in a Windows environment, Microsoft Office (Excel, WORD, POWERPOINT), ability to learn and utilize other software programs (such as FSFN and CoBRIS). Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Public speaking skills; Must be highly motivated and self-directed. Knowledge of community resources, service referrals and linkage, and child development; including physical, mental, emotional and cultural and ethnicity issues required. Ability to motivate and engage families and a solid understanding of trauma informed care. Ability to work under stressful situations with poise; Must attend relevant skills-enhancement training and demonstrate required program specific knowledge. Time management skills necessary to accomplish this position.

Other:

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population\xe2\x80\x99s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and meet state criminal background check requirements.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida