Do you enjoy helping others? Would you like a career that provides you an opportunity to help families and to make a difference in the lives of children? Join us in creating a brighter future for children and their families.
At Kids Central we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home that provides a path to a bright future. However, sometimes children and their families need additional support to ensure their safety and well-being. That is where we step in.
As the initial point of contact with KCI, the Placement Specialist is responsible for the timely and accurate intake, assessment, and coordination of out-of-home care for children at Kids Central Inc., operating within Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and KCI operating procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education/Experience

Two years of child welfare experience and/or a bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, or related field from an accredited institution, and one year of experience in human services or child welfare are preferred.

• Other Requirements

Certification as a Child Protective Professional preferred
Current Background Clearance Screening Letter
Valid Florida driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to meet Organizational Required Competency standards
• Knowledge of the child welfare system
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to multitask and problem solve
• Ability to work routinely covering the overnight shift, and occasional coverage of the weekend shift
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to assume on-call responsibilities outside normal working hours

• Ensure children receive timely, accurate, and complete assessments so they can be matched and maintained in the most appropriate setting (foster care, residential, and acute care behavioral settings)
• Ensure all services identified by the Protective Investigator and/or Case Manager are appropriate and are delivered, authorizing all initial services and requests
• Assist Protective Investigator and/or Case Manager in developing an initial plan of action, make referrals based on established criteria and standards
• Routinely attend and participate in Children Medical Assessment Team (CMAT), disruptions, and multi-disciplinary staffings
• Assist with the integration and stabilization of the level of care of children into therapeutic care, medical care, and children with disabilities
• Act as liaison between foster parents, case management agencies, and Department of Children and Families staff to ensure appropriate placements are maintained
• Other Duties as assigned