SMS Specialist

Helping children and families help themselves to live a better life and build a stronger community.

The Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE) is dedicated to helping children and their families by providing the right services and solutions based on individual needs. CFCE is constantly evolving to better support our community.

As a Safety Management Services (SMS) Specialist, you will ensure child safety and family stability by providing in home support to families at risk of child welfare involvement, with the goal of strengthening parental protective capacities, supporting families in crisis, and improving family outcomes.

This position entails a flexible work schedule-generally 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., including a one-hour lunch period; however, can entail evening and weekend working hours. The position requires 24/7 on-call availability.

Why join CFCE:

• You will make an invaluable impact in the community
• We offer growth and professional development opportunities
• You may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• We offer benefits; PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b retirement plan and more for qualified positions.

Some of the Functions Include:

• Review available records regarding the child’s family history, school behavior, medical or mental health history, etc. upon case assignment.
• Conduct child safety assessments and home assessments pursuant to the Florida Practice Model/Safety Methodology within 48 hours of intake referral.
• Utilize the NCFAS to complete a “pre” assessment on the family within 5 days of intake.
• Work with the family to complete a new safety plan within 5 days of CTS.
• Complete Progress Update every 90 days (From FFA-O) in FSFN and at each juncture where there is any substantial change with the family.
• Offer one-on-one coaching to parents for discipline, supervision, and household management.
• Conduct visitations with the children and parents in the home at minimum 3 days a week. Thereafter, all in-home, face-to-face visits with the family shall be made in accordance with the Impending Danger Safety plan.
• Advocate on behalf of families to help them overcome barriers to services including issues related to governmental or other agencies (e.g. applying for Medicaid when applicable, Kid Care Insurance Program, helping families with problems related to TANF benefits, school enrollment, or medical treatment).
• Ensure the family has access to services, including but not limited to securing transportation as needed.
• Provide on-call support for clients as required or needed to include Holidays and Weekends. This includes rotating on-call availability for intake calls, initial home visits for weekend intakes and after-hours emergency contact.
• Participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement process.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a human service related field from an accredited university;
• -OR- a Bachelor’s Degree in a non-human service related field and;
• 2 years of relevant experience working with children and families.
• Must possess a State of Florida Child Welfare Case Management Certification.

Skills/Experience Needed:

• Bilingual Required (Spanish or Creole)
• Must be computer literate
• Excellent assessment skills and intervention strategies
• Ability to perform at a high level of autonomy or with minimal supervision
• Ability to observe and report accurately on the functioning of individuals and families
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Ability to identify and understand environmental stressors
• Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients

Other:

• Must have access to a well-maintained vehicle, valid auto insurance, and a current and valid Florida Driver’s License.