Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong,and communities are vibrant.
LSF is looking for a talented Licensing Case Manager who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.
$47,500 starting salary
$49,500 if certified in child welfare case management with 1 year of child welfare case management experience.
$51,500 if certified in child welfare case management with 3 years of child welfare case management supervisory experience.
Purpose & Impact:
Employee responsibilities as outlined, performing recruitment, training, and licensing recommendations of prospective foster/adoptive homes in Lee Counties, and by assuring compliance with licensing regulations and inspections of all foster homes in Lee Counties. These duties are accomplished in accordance with the following standards.
Treats customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect, and dignity, and presents a positive image. Keeps 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. 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. Pre-service training, pride training and other trainings within the probationary period and as scheduled thereafter as a requirement for continued employment as the Recruitment Licensing Counselor. Adheres to all confidentiality rules and regulations. This position is primarily responsible for recruiting, training, inspecting, evaluating, providing consultations and technical assistance and recommending for or against the licensing of foster homes for the Family Safety Program. The position may also maintain responsibility for licensing, inspecting, monitoring, evaluating and providing consultation and technical assistance to a caseload of foster homes and to retain quality foster homes. This includes communication with and coordination of information and inspections from other agencies, which have a role in the licensure process. This position must maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Essential Functions:
- Conducts and participates in Parent Resource for Information Development and Education (PRIDE) training including orientation on a regular basis and assesses foster parent ability to receive a license to foster children. Carefully reviews and evaluates all material submitted by prospective applicants. Obtains background information to determine good character. Evaluates all reference checks and discusses any negative comments. Thoroughly analyzes all materials to determine suitability as a foster parent defining the strengths and weakness of the family. Prepares an accurate home study to reflect the dynamics of the family and their communication style, strengths and weaknesses and significant factors of their background and personalities to assist in a determination of their appropriateness to foster parent a child. Assist prospects in completing the licensing process. Has a working knowledge of the Laws of Florida and the Rules in the Florida Administrative Code relating to the licensure operation and maintenance of foster homes and the administrative procedures. Receives applications ensuring the data received is documented and within 30 days of receipt, provides to the applicant in writing a list of the things still needed to complete the licensing process. Provides application package to supervisor for review within 30 days upon applicant’s completion of PRIDE classes. Employee will perform all tasks in a professional and courteous manner.
- Conducts or participates in monthly county recruitment meetings with planned agenda; coordinates activities with district public information officer for positive coverage of recruitment events; coordinates and oversees individual county recruitment plans and activities; tracks county recruitment efforts to locate potential foster homes as assigned. Collaborate with the Department of Children and Families on a regular basis to determine the type of homes needed with documentation provided to the unit.
- Perform case management duties and be accessible to assigned clients on a 24-hour basis using equipment provided by agency.
- Retention activities to include determination of the needs of foster families to retain them. Data collection through surveys, personal visits and staff feedback to address home closings, positive relationship development, in-service training and the support services required to maintain foster homes.
- Receives, organizes and prepares all licensing information packets in the manner consistent with the program requirements. Submits licensing packets to the supervisor for approval two weeks in advance of the license expiration, if one exists. Ensures all documentation is received and/or prepared thoroughly, completely and accurately. Maintains accurate, up-to-date licensing files on all facilities and homes, coordinates and exchanges information with other programs. Carefully reviews all application materials for appropriateness and accuracy. Advises all applicants within 30 days upon receipt of application if any materials are deficient.
- Provide appropriate referrals for clients and assist in linkage to those referrals as necessary.
- Maintain professional communication and teamwork as a liaison with referral agency.
- Represent Foster Care Program in court proceedings if needed.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and inter-agency staffing as required.
- Compile required reports on families in caseload 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.
Other Functions:
- Responsible to carry and maintain an agency cell phone.
- Responsible to participate in unit after hour on-call placement rotation.
- Must be flexible to work some nights and weekends based on need of program.
- Other duties as reasonably assigned by unit Supervisor.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to drive self and clients (if needed), operate a computer, sit for long periods of time, and develop coherent written correspondence and progress notes, adapt to irregular hours.
Possess:
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.
Education:
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 be able to obtain Child Welfare Certification.
Experience:
Two- or three-year experience in child welfare preferred.
Skills:
- 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.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Effective environmental support services to client families assigned by the program.
- 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 referrals.
- Adherence to the professional standards and ethics of the social service and counseling profession.
- Accurate, complete and timely documentation of client cases.
Other:
Case Managers should fully understand case ownership responsibility as the integrator of all services and supports identified for each child, including therapy, other mental health services, health and dentistry, developmental services, educational support, permanency and safety; as well as their responsibility to make trauma sensitive transitions when it is determined that a caretaker lacks the needed level of responsibility to care for their children. Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
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 theorganization.
Amazing benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Teladoc (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
Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunityemployer.