Level 1 Licensing Specialist

Mission Statement

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

General Purpose of Job

The purpose of the Level 1 Specialist is to complete the Level 1 Licensure, Re-licensure and Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) for caregivers in Circuit 13.  Additionally, the Specialists will support caregivers through training, assessing and coordination and provision of support services for children placed in the home.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promoting the Level 1 Program and the importance of relative placements through training sessions and community presentations
• Completing family assessments through the home study process, licensure and re-licensure of caregivers’ homes.
• Provide and locate ongoing support services for Relative/Non-Relative Caregiver families regardless of cases status (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 staffings in order to advocate for the best interest of the children served.
• Track and log all appropriate information for monthly reports.
• Traveling throughout Circuit 13.
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested.

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Service or other related field   
• Current Certification as a Child Welfare Professional – preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a child welfare case manager, child protective investigator or other child welfare experience 

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional leadership and communication skills, fostering collaboration across all organizational levels. Possess a strong aptitude for analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making, they excel at solving complex problems and implementing effective solutions. Proficient in project management, they adeptly handle multifaceted initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met and budgets are maintained. Highly adaptable to fast-paced and dynamic environments, they prioritize tasks efficiently while leveraging operational software and tools to enhance productivity. Strategic planning expertise and a commitment to fostering teamwork enable them to drive organizational success

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Driver’s license check is a requirement
• No special certification or registration is required for this position
• 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

Proficiency in written and verbal communication ensures clarity and accuracy in documentation, home studies, and reports, as well as in interactions with families, children, and community partners. Active listening skills are crucial for understanding the concerns and needs of families while fostering trust and collaboration. Additionally, the ability to adapt language to suit various audiences, whether explaining licensing requirements to families, drafting professional correspondence, or presenting information to stakeholders—enhances overall effectiveness in the role.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, percentages, ability to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Analytical reasoning skills allow specialists to assess home environments, evaluate the suitability of prospective foster parents, and interpret compliance with licensing standards. Problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing challenges, such as identifying and mitigating potential risks in a home or guiding families through the licensing process. Critical thinking helps in analyzing diverse information sources and making fair, objective judgments while maintaining the child’s best interests as the priority. Additionally, logical reasoning is key for organizing evidence, crafting detailed reports, and making recommendations based on findings. Emotional and ethical reasoning further aid in understanding the nuances of family dynamics, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed practices, ensuring thoughtful and compassionate decision-making.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel to homes, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA:       Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:        Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember:  If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current Supervisor, prior to applying.

Salary : $24 - $26