Community Resource Specialist

Department/Program: Judicial Case Management

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

Staff cases with Child Protective Investigators (CPI’s) and assist with completion of community referrals to provide services for families in need, specifically but not limited to Parent in Need of Assistance (PNA) intakes. This position should be an expert in the various resource services available in the community as well as have key contacts at each service provider in order to provide families and CPI’s efficient referrals. This role will have some on-call activities as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Connect families with resources needed and identify new and existing neighborhood resources. - 30%
• Organize and track numerous cases on spreadsheets and databases and complete follow up as Family Preservation program requires. - 15%
• Prepare financial requests to assist families in need. - 15%
• Assist colleagues with resources and coordinating services with CPI and other community agencies. - 15%
• Provide emergency assistance which includes delivering or purchasing items to families such as food, beds, clothing and assisting with emergency housing; hotel and housing payments. - 15%
• Participate in meetings, if needed, to provide families with all necessary resources. - 5%
• Provide on-call coverage as needed. - 5%
• Attend community resource meetings. - As needed
• Provide families assistance with ACCESS services. - As needed
• Other Duties - As needed

Supervisory/Decision Making Authority:

This position does not require customary supervision and management of 2 or more full-time employees.

Two examples of the most common decisions made independently by this position on a regular basis without following prescribed procedures:

• Determines which agencies to connect families with for appropriate services.
• Decides how to manage their caseloads on a daily basis.

Contribution and Impact:

This position is responsible for connecting families to appropriate resources to ensure child safety and family preservation.

Strategic Value:

The position is critical to the FSS’ goal of providing accurate and up to date resources to families in the community which helps to ensure child safety and family preservation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology or Human Services from an accredited college or university is required. Master’s degree in a Human Services field or area of study from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of experience.

Experience:

At least three years of experience working with at-risk children and/or families and familiarity of area resources.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration:

Valid driver’s license.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications 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.

Ability to:

• Represent self and the organization in a professional manner
• Work independently with little direct supervision
• Think and write creatively
• Assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/ decisions
• Research, organize and analyze data
• Solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
• Follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
• Read, research and interpret documents such as newspapers, contracts, manuals, journals, financial reports, etc.
• Communicate effectively through writing including articles, presentations, speeches, reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• Speak effectively before small and large groups.
• Calculate figures and amounts.
• Maintain confidential information

Knowledge of:

• State, Federal and local employment laws
• Recruitment and retention practices
• Safety Practice
• Local and statewide community resources and funding streams for services

Skills:

• Strong Written and Verbal Communication
• Strong follow-up and follow through
• Strong organizational and time management
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word. Experience with PowerPoint,

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening.
• Clear a reference check (professional and personal).
• Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside.
• screen.
• Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment.
• Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check.
• Proof of personal auto insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000/$300,000 or greater if not insurable under company's automobile policy.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Largo, FL 33771: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• At-risk children and/or families: 3 years (Required)
• Pinellas community resources: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location