Resource Specialist

Working with us takes a certain kind of person; we want someone who identifies with our values and is willing to challenge themselves both personally and professionally. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.Eckerd Connects'' Community Alternatives is the community-based care lead agency for child welfare services in Pasco and Pinellas Counties and manages one of Florida''s largest systems of care, serving about 3,100 children each day. A Program of Eckerd Connects and governed by a community-based board, Eckerd Connects Community Alternatives has developed an integrated and collaborative system of care for safety, well-being, and permanency of vulnerable and at-risk children, while strengthening and supporting families. In its role as lead agency or ''system manager'', provides adoption support; child abuse prevention; child placement; contract and fiscal oversight; foster home management; performance and data management; resource development; and utilization management.follow the link for more information about this program: ConceptThis position is responsible for providing up front services to families that face allegations of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. The position ensures safety and permanency and promotes family preservation by providing families with comprehensive services and linking them with community support systems to divert them from entering the system of care and supervision.Essential FunctionsPreference will be given to a candidate who is bilingual English/Spanish.Assesses and identifies needs of families as referred by the sheriff''s office Child Protective Investigations Division (CPID) for giving resources and referrals to families as indicated by assessing needs; includes: referrals for resources and services including child care, Medicaid, mental health referrals, substance abuse referrals, emergency shelter/housing, transportation, and other resources as defined by federal, state, local, and judiciary requirements.Partners with Child Protective Investigators (CPI) to divert families from entering the circuit''s System of Care.Works closely with CPI and Diversion to assist relatives and non-relatives so children can remain with family/friends and prevent them from entering the circuit''s System of Care.Facilitate case transfer staffing''s with the Sheriff''s Child Protection Investigation Departments and Diversion to ensure a smooth transition to case management services for the child and municates on a consistent basis with the CPI on progress of families.Attends community meetings as assigned.Position SpecificationsEducation: Bachelor''s degree, from an accredited College or University, in social work or related human services field required.Experience: Requires a minimum of three years child welfare experience.Certifications: Current Child Welfare certification or provisional certification preferred.Skills: Experience with customer service and multi-task office setting. Have administrative abilities and be detail oriented. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to work independently and utilize initiative, ability to meet deadlines.Physical Demands: Ability to sit at desk for long periods of time, and tolerate extended periods of data entry. Must be free of communicable diseases as required by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law. Other: Must meet state criminal background check requirements.Travel: Must be able to meet requirements for Eckerd''s Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes. Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver''s license.Make more than a Living, Make a DifferenceWe provide our employees with numerous opportunities for growth, education, advancement, and the chance to contribute to business objectives. We offer competitive salaries and an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:Health, Dental and Vision Insurance | 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year | 9 paid holidays | Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5% | Flexible spending accounts | Paid short-term and Working d long-term disability | Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance | Voluntary term life insuranceHeadquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and founded in 1968 by philanthropists, Jack and Ruth Eckerd, Eckerd Connects is one of the largest national nonprofit child and family service organizations in the United States. Eckerd provides a full continuum of life-changing behavioral health, child welfare services, and workforce development through multiple offices and facilities nationwide that strengthen families, assist young adults, and help children succeed.Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. (''Eckerd Connects'') considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Eckerd Connects is a drug-free workplace and utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Created: 2021-11-29