Guardian Assistance Program (GAP) Specialist

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Ensure all eligibility requirements are met for all cases being considered for the GAP program. Complete all elements for GAP eligibility and work with families pre and post case closure in Permanent Guardianship. License and support Level 1 foster homes for children in the custody of DCF/NWFHN. Ensure timely licensure of families and necessary support is provided as well as maintain data integrity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Attend all permanency staffings. GAP Specialist will be present to answer questions regarding GAP eligibility and benefits as well as to ensure all elements necessary for GAP eligibility are completed.

· Review Permanent Guardianship case plans to ensure proper language is included for eligibility for the GAP program.

· Ensure families meet all eligibility requirements to receive GAP payments.

· Communicate with the DCM, CLS, and Level 1 Licensing Unit regarding potential case closures in permanent guardianship and eligibility for GAP benefits.

· Assist families with naming a successor guardian and ensure completion of proper background checks on all successor guardians.

· Complete the Guardianship Assistance Agreement with families and ensure all corresponding eligibility documentation is completed in FSFN.

· Attend court hearings as needed or requested by Case Management and CLS.

· Ensure Medicaid eligibility is maintained in cases where caregivers are receiving GAP payments.

· Complete required yearly redeterminations for permanent guardians receiving GAP payments.

· Assist families with payment issues and changes of successor guardian.

· Provide post GAP services to families who are experiencing challenges with caring for a child post case closure. Post GAP services will assist families in connecting to community and Medicaid services as needed.

· Ensure ICAMA requests are completed time when a family moves out of state.

· Exhibit expertise in Licensing Administrative Code Requirements and CFOPs.

· Assist with licensing relative and non-relative caregivers as requested by the Kinship Program Supervisor.

· Maintain and update NWFHN policies related to the GAP program and eligibility.

· Provide training on GAP to DCMs, CLS, GAL program and other system of care stakeholders.

· Create informational materials to provide to families.

· Maintain system for tracking families and data on the GAP program or pending closure with GAP benefits.

· Participate in the quality improvement process.

· Demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork.

This list of essential functions is not intended to be exhaustive. NWFHN reserves theright to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or a combination of education and experience required for eligibility for a child welfare certification by the Florida Certification Board. (See Requirements in Attachment).

· Child Protection Professional Certification (Must obtain within 6 months from date of hire.

REFERRED:

· Multiple forms of child welfare or child welfare related experience

· Prior experience with foster home licensing

SKILLS:

· Excellent assessment skills and intervention strategies

· Ability to act with a high level of independent judgment

· Ability to organize and prioritize work tasks

· Ability to handle confidential information appropriately

· Strong verbal and written communication

· Ability to resolve conflicts in a professional manner

· Ability to make home visits and to travel

· Awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental factors and their impact on family functioning· Knowledge of community resources

· Ability to work flexible hours as required

· Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child protection and counseling

· Skills in employing family-centered practice and trauma informed care

· Ability to use and proficiency in computer software applications

· Ability to act decisively when necessary to protect clients

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITIONS REQUIRING CHILD WELFARE CERTIFICATIONS

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or

• An associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or

Examples of professional work experience could be, although not limited to:

Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role

Family Support Worker

Group Home Worker

Teacher's Assistant/Aide

Daycare Provider/Worker

Therapeutic Assistant

Behavioral Health Technician

Family Intervention Specialist

Home Health Aide

Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession

Nursing Facility Assistant

EMT

Other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

An official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcriptions with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements.

Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.

Successful candidates must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification. All staff in direct care positions must maintain certification as a condition of employment. Information regarding certification can be found at: Florida Certification Board

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Social Service: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child Protection Professional Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000