Placement Specialist

SW Placement - Ford St. 4150 Ford St. Ft. Myers, FL 33916, USA Placement Specialist II Lutheran Services Florida envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Placement Specialist II who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. Purpose and Impact Employee responsibilities as outlined; coordinate and arrange for out of home placements for children requiring placement into licensed foster care in Lee County. These duties are accomplished in accordance with the following standards. Treats customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect, and dignity, and presents a positive image. Keeps supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential problems. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills in daily work. Supports the program and works with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of the program. Employee will make every reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area. Attends and successfully completes all mandated training courses, Pre-service Training. This position is primarily responsible for placement of children, unification of siblings who are separated, placement stabilization staffing, movement of children from shelter, transportation of youth to and from placement as needed. This position must maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Essential Functions Review placement intakes to assess child’s unique needs and determine appropriate placement options in the least restrictive level of This includes communication with placement providers (i.e. foster homes, group homes, shelters, etc) to discuss child’s needs. Facilitate placement stabilization staffings with families, youth, case management and providers. Act as a liaison to shelters and conduct periodic in person staffings to discuss placement of children. Ensure that placement and sibling stability outcome measures are evaluated weekly and action plans developed to meet designated outcomes. Must participate in the on-call after hours schedule for placements. Must be able to work evenings and some weekends. Maintain professional communication and teamwork as a liaison with referral. Represent Foster Care Program in court proceedings if required. Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and inter-agency staffing on clients as required. Compile required reports and required FSFN data entry and submit to supervisor in a timely manner, including progress notes, reports to the Department of Children and Families and courts as the needs dictate. Adhere to professional standards. Other Functions Responsible to carry and maintain an agency cell phone. Other duties as reasonably assigned by unit Supervisor. Physical Requirements Ability to drive self and clients, operate a computer, sit for long periods of time, and develop coherent written correspondence and progress notes, adapt to irregular hours, perform light lifting and be flexible to rotate on call as needed. Possess Must have a Child Welfare Certificate Certified by Florida Certification Board. A valid Florida driver’s license and auto insurance. Must be able to use own vehicle to perform job duties. Ability to travel locally and out of local area in the execution of professional duties and for training/conferences. Education Bachelor’s degree within the Human Services field. Graduation from accredited four-year college/university in human services providing direct service to children, youth and their families. Must have a Child Protection Certificate. Experience 1 to 3 years’ experience in Child Welfare. Skills Good written and verbal communication, time management, organizational and interpersonal leadership skills. Ability to function in a team setting, and professionally serve a diverse multi-cultural client population. Dependability, discretion and good judgment are essential. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with co-workers and the general public. Must be able to function in the community without the presence of direct supervision. Must be able to maintain high level of professional. Responsibility in reporting activities, conduct and schedule to supervisor. Principal Accountabilities Effective environmental support services to client families assigned by the Effectively function as a team player with the assigned Case Adherence to the Personnel Policies and Procedures of Lutheran Services Florida and the policies of the Foster Care Program. Professional execution of program responsibilities to the Department of Children and Families as the grantor agency and the source of program Adherence to the professional standards and ethics of the social service and counseling profession. Accurate, complete and timely documentation of case related Why work for LSF? LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. Benefits Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: Equal Opportunity Employer – This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr