Permanency Specialist

Children's Network of Hillsborough; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Children’s Network of Hillsborough is seeking a qualified staffing coordinator to manage permanency staffing processes, document findings, and draft court reports with permanency recommendations. You will coordinate staffings, mediate differing views, and ensure timely outcomes for child safety and permanency.

The role emphasizes trauma‑informed practice, strong communication, and collaboration with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related Human Services degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in child welfare is required; supervisory experience is preferred.
• Florida Certification as a full Child Protection Professional prior to hire.

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 to achieve each.
• Develop tracking to ensure Permanency staffings are completed prior to critical case junctures.
• Monitor Permanency Reporting in FSFN and Mindshare.
• Complete staffing reports with permanency recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related Human Services degree

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 9393 - Tampa, FL 33612
Salary Range: $25.96 Hourly

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

Schedule, facilitate, monitor, document, and track the Permanency Staffing. This includes coordinating and facilitating staffings that may result in competing opinions and recommendations from case participants. Utilize a trauma‑sensitive, strength‑based approach to engaging families and youth in moving the case toward permanency as outlined in Florida Statute Chapter 39. Specialists gather and analyze information to drive safety and permanency decisions. Ability to hear all sides and mediate disagreements during staffings to ensure effective communication between participating individuals and identify strengths within the family. Responsible for drafting written reports for the court with clear permanency recommendations and a plan to ensure achievement of the permanency goal. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with the child welfare system.

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 to achieve each
• 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 to supply them
• Deliver services that assure the safety, permanency, and well‑being of children in the care of the Children’s Network of Hillsborough
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or related Human Services degree

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare is required; supervisory experience is preferred

Knowledge of quality management systems and procedures

Florida Certification as a full Child Protection Professional prior to hire

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 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 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 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 has no supervisory responsibilities.

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, excelling at solving complex problems and implementing effective solutions. Proficient in project management, adeptly handling multifaceted initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met and budgets are maintained. Highly adaptable to fast‑paced and dynamic environments, prioritizing 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

• Valid driver’s license, clean driver’s license check, and proof of insurance is required
• Criminal background screening (Local Law Enforcement, FBI/FDLE, and Abuse Registry)
• Drug screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E‑Verify

Other Requirements

Language Skills

Should have strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with families, youth, and professionals in the child welfare system. The ability to clearly articulate case findings, mediate discussions, and facilitate staffings is essential. Proficiency in drafting detailed reports, court documents, and permanency recommendations is also critical. Active listening, cultural competency, and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and empathetic manner are key language skills for success in this role.

Reasoning Ability

Must have strong reasoning and critical thinking abilities to assess complex child welfare cases and make well‑informed decisions. They need to evaluate diverse perspectives, analyze case information, and apply sound judgment to develop appropriate permanency plans. The ability to interpret and apply child welfare laws, policies, and best practices is essential for ensuring compliance and effective case resolution. Additionally, they must navigate competing opinions, mediate disagreements, and identify solutions that prioritize the child’s best interests. Strong problem‑solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to think strategically under pressure are crucial for ensuring timely and successful permanency outcomes.

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 among agency locations, 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.

Drug‑Free Workplace

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