Permanency Specialist

Overview

Join to apply for the Permanency Specialist role at Children's Network of Hillsborough.

Mission : The Children's Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job : Schedule, facilitate, monitor, document, and track permanency staffings. Coordinate and facilitate staffings that may involve competing opinions and recommendations from participants. Use a trauma-sensitive, strength-based approach to engage families and youth toward permanency as outlined in Florida Statute Chapter 39. Gather and analyze information to drive safety and permanency decisions. Hear all sides, mediate disagreements during staffings, and identify family strengths. Draft written court reports with clear permanency recommendations and a plan to achieve permanency. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with the child welfare system.

Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule, facilitate, monitor, document, and track permanency staffing
• Provide subject matter expertise in dependency processes, statute, and code
• Knowledge of permanency options by statutory preference and legal requirements
• Develop tracking to ensure permanency staffings are completed prior to critical case junctures
• Monitor Permanency Reporting in FSFN and Mindshare
• Complete timely documentation of Permanency Staffings in FSFN
• Complete staffing reports with permanency recommendations
• Ensure completion of trainings to maintain full Child Welfare Certification through the Florida Certification Board
• Identify System of Care needs and provide technical assistance
• Deliver services that assure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals

Working Hours

CNHC believes in work life balance. This is an in-office position, Monday–Friday from 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm, averaging 40 hours per week. Hours may vary based on business needs.

Travel

Travel in and outside of Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County) may be required.

Training

All employees are required to complete fifteen (15) hours of training annually, which may be online or in-class. Employees who hold a credential or license must ensure that all training and continuing education requirements are met to maintain their credential or licensure.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience

Skills and Abilities

Must possess strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex child welfare cases. Ability to facilitate discussions, mediate conflicts, and synthesize diverse perspectives to drive informed permanency decisions. Critical thinking and attention to detail are essential for gathering and analyzing case information, drafting reports, and making recommendations aligned with legal requirements and best practices. Demonstrates a trauma-sensitive, strength-based approach when engaging families and youth. Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for collaborating with stakeholders to ensure timely and successful permanency outcomes.

Pre-employment Requirements

Other Requirements

Language Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with families, youth, and professionals in the child welfare system. Ability to clearly articulate case findings, mediate discussions, and facilitate staffings. Proficiency in drafting detailed reports, court documents, and permanency recommendations. Active listening, cultural competency, and the ability to convey complex information clearly and empathetically.

Reasoning Ability

Strong reasoning and critical thinking abilities to assess complex child welfare cases, evaluate diverse perspectives, analyze case information, and apply laws, policies, and best practices. Ability to navigate competing opinions, mediate disagreements, and identify solutions prioritizing the child's best interests. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking under pressure.

Physical Demands

Physical demands are generally moderate. May require extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations available.

Work Environment

In-office-based position with moderate noise. Possible occasional travel between agency locations, extended computer work, and frequent cross-department interactions. Reasonable accommodations available.

ADA and EEO

ADA : The organization will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO : The organization does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, or in access to programs and services. The organization is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember : If you are currently an employee of Children's Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, you should notify your current leadership prior to applying.

Note : This job listing may contain additional postings or related roles, but the core description above reflects the Permanency Specialist position.

J-18808-Ljbffr