Family Support Coordinator-Fostering Families

JOB SUMMARY: The purpose of this job is to provide support services to licensed foster parents who are a part of the child welfare dependency system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Support foster families in their efforts to complete all child welfare related tasks for children placed in their homes.

1. Participate in the coordination and implementation of support group meetings to provide training and networking opportunities for licensed foster parents.

1. Complete contacts with foster families via telephone and home visits to assure families are compliant with program standards and to assure families are receiving the supports and services they need.

1. Participate in staffing's and court hearings as needed.
2. Participate in the quality improvement process.
3. Adherence of all data collection into automated systems including FSFN.
4. General administrative duties to include filing, scanning, copying, and mailing for the foster care program.
5. Assist in obtaining necessary background screening requirements for initial and relicensure.
6. Be available to assist families in obtaining necessary documents or updates regarding upcoming hearings/staffing's. 
7. Resource map programs and services available to foster parents in Hillsborough County. 
8. Maintain computer tracking systems, including Excel databases as they pertain to the Programs Department
9. Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested

 ***THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF ALLDUTIES PERFORMED.  EMPLOYEES WILL BEREQUIRED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB RELATED MARGINAL DUTIES AS REQUIRED***

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required, A.A. degree preferred; 

•     A minimum one (1) year of child welfare or family support related experience.

•     Must have a working knowledge of community services and resources in Hillsborough County.

•     Strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities is a must; and

•     Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships is also a must

Licenses &Certifications:

• Child Welfare Certification via the Florida Certification Board preferred.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with no record of criminal driving offense or license suspension.  
• Must possess means of providing job related transportation and show proof of required insurance.  Must be insurable under CHN’s current auto insurance policy. 
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.  
• Must successfully complete and maintain FDLE clearance, Federal background and state criminal background check and sexual predator screening.
• Adoption Competent Training Preferred

COMPETENCIES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Annual Training Requirements: The following training topics are required annually: Sexual Harassment, Blood-born Pathogens, Workplace Accident Prevention and Reporting, Confidentiality and Privacy Practices, Diversity/Cultural Competency, Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Statutes and Methods, Prevention of Violence in the Workplace, OSHA–related training, Crisis Prevention, and Program Goals.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Department of Children and Families rules and regulations regarding the care of children and the specific regulations around foster care and placement. 
• Knowledge of childhood development and related mental health processes. 
• Knowledge of child abuse or neglect reporting procedures and methods. 
• Knowledge of child and family histories, habits, tendencies, general behaviors, etc. 
• Knowledge of agency's organizational structure, standard operating procedures, and policies. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, supervisors and other individuals in a diverse arena.
• Knowledge of community based services and interventions that serve the needs of foster children including but not limited to behavior and mental health services that address developmental, trauma, medical and other special needs. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, verbally and in writing. 
• Skilled in de-escalation techniques and managing stressful situations.   
• Computer skills to include knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, FSFN and other identified programs.

 ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Visual: ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, read printed materials, and make observations of physical facilities. 

• Hearing: ability to understand and comprehend spoken dialogue in individual and group settings. 
• Frequent use of hands. 
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively. 
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

 Works indoors in an office environment. 

• Spends periods of time in transit using personal vehicle. 
• Works within residential providers and foster families. 
• High interaction with children and families. 
• Moderate level of potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens; therefore, eligible for Hepatitis B vaccination series.