What are the responsibilities and job description for the GAP Specialist position at Children's Network of Hillsborough?
Mission Statement
The Children’s N
General Purpose of Job
The purpose of the Guardian Assistance Program Specialist is to identify, train, assess and maintain placements with relatives, non-relatives, and fictive kin through coordination and provision of the Guardian Assistance Program.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Promotes the Guardian Assistance Program (GAP) and the importance of relative, non-relative, and fictive kin placements through training sessions and community presentations to key stakeholders.
- Collaborates with Child Welfare Case Managers to educate current and prospective caregivers on licensing levels and GAP requirements.
- Completes Level 1 licensing assessments through the Unified Home Study process, including conducting abuse registry checks and criminal background screenings.
- Attends court hearings as needed to provide placement recommendations in the best interest of the child.
- Provides and coordinates ongoing support services for relative and non-relative caregiver families, regardless of case status (active or closed).
- Develops and maintains resource materials for caregivers, ensuring accessibility in both electronic and print formats.
- Conducts follow-up on initial placements and partners with Child Welfare Case Managers to ensure caregivers have the necessary supports to maintain stable placements.
- Participates in staffings and multidisciplinary meetings to advocate for the best interests and well-being of the children served.
- Maintain regular in-office attendance when not performing required field-based duties in order to carry out essential job functions, collaborate effectively with team members, participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, access agency resources and systems, and provide timely support for agency operations and service delivery.
- Must be able to drive and have reliable transportation to perform required field based activities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position.
Working HOurs
Children’s Network of Hillsborough’s standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position is an in-office based position with fieldwork requirements, that averages 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary outside of these standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet operational demands. All hours worked will be compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and agency policies, including applicable overtime and other compensation requirements
Travel
Travel within and outside of Hillsborough County is required. The employee must be able to drive and have reliable transportation to perform the essential functions of the position.
Training
All employees are required to complete fifteen (15) hours of training annually, which may be completed online or in a classroom setting. Employees who hold a credential or license relevant to their position must ensure that all training and continuing education requirements are met to maintain their credential or licensure.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field required.
- Current Child Welfare Professional certification preferred; must obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare, such as a Child Welfare Case Manager, Child Protective Investigator, or similar role.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills preferred.
Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare practices, including kinship care, licensing requirements, and the Guardian Assistance Program (GAP), with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences such as caregivers, case managers, community stakeholders, and court personnel. Skilled in delivering training sessions and presentations that promote program awareness and engagement. Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including Child Welfare Case Managers, to support caregivers and ensure compliance with licensing standards. Proficient in conducting assessments through the Unified Home Study process, including completion of abuse registry and criminal background screenings, and applying critical thinking to make sound placement recommendations in the best interest of children.
Strong advocacy skills with the ability to represent and support children and families in court hearings, staffings, and multidisciplinary meetings. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and provide ongoing support services to caregivers, promoting placement stability and child well-being regardless of case status. Highly organized, with the ability to develop and maintain accessible resource materials in both electronic and print formats, manage follow-up activities, and balance multiple priorities. Ability to maintain regular in-office attendance while also performing field-based responsibilities, including travel, with reliable transportation. Exhibits flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to supporting departmental and organizational goals, including performing additional duties as assigned.
pre-employment requirements
Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.
- Proof of education is required
- Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
- Driver’s license check is a requirement
- Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
- Drug Screening is a requirement
- Children’s Network participates in E-Verify
Other Requirements
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats with diverse audiences, including caregivers, children, families, case managers, legal representatives, and community stakeholders. Demonstrates strong presentation and public speaking skills to effectively deliver training sessions, facilitate discussions, and convey complex child welfare information in an understandable and culturally responsive manner. Skilled in active listening, engagement, and adapting communication style to meet the needs of varied populations, including those with differing levels of experience, education, and backgrounds. Maintains accurate and timely documentation while ensuring clarity, confidentiality, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus and support effective service delivery to diverse communities.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply basic mathematical and analytical skills to support program operations, including interpreting numerical data, tracking service delivery metrics, and ensuring accuracy in documentation related to licensing, background screenings, and caregiver support services. Demonstrates attention to detail when reviewing information, identifying discrepancies, and maintaining accurate records. Capable of organizing and analyzing data to support reporting, resource allocation, and service coordination. Able to manage time and workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced child welfare environment.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply sound judgment and critical thinking in evaluating complex situations involving child welfare, caregiver placements, and service needs. Demonstrates the capacity to analyze information from multiple sources, identify potential risks, and make informed, timely recommendations in the best interest of children. Skilled in problem-solving and decision-making within established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, while maintaining flexibility to address unique or sensitive circumstances. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and adapt to changing situations in a fast-paced environment. Exhibits strong attention to detail, maintains objectivity, and exercises professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information and interacting with diverse populations.
Physical Demands
This role requires the ability to perform field and community-based work, including traveling to various locations, conducting home visits, and attending meetings or events. The position may involve prolonged periods of standing, walking, and driving, as well as occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds. Flexibility and stamina are essential to effectively engage with families in diverse settings and respond to needs as they arise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is an in-office position with both administrative and field work responsibilities. The noise level in the office is typically moderate.
The role involves travel between agency locations and to community settings for field work, as well as extended periods of computer use and
frequent communication across multiple departments. Field work may include but is not limited to home visits, transportation assistance, and
collaboration with external partners. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions of the position.
ADA: Children’s N
EEO: Children’s N
Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.