Court Liaison (1229)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Court Liaison who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This position description describes current or former child welfares experts with extensive case management experience and demonstrated competencies related to court preparation and presentation.  Specific duties include attending a multitude of dependency hearings and acting as the point of contact for case management staff on court-related matters. The Court Liaison provides support and technical assistance to case management, leadership, and the court on specific and systemic questions related to dependency court case activity and processes.

Essential Functions:

• Assure compliance regarding current federal, state, and local laws, contracts, accreditation standards, and policies and procedures
• Apply critical thinking to create strategies and interventions resulting in measurable increased performance related to dependency matters.
• Provide effective support and technical assistance to Case Management teams to build competencies related to court preparation and presentation.
• Create reports and recommendations-based performance trends and outcomes.
• Leads the tracking of completion of court reports and filings.
• Responsible for keeping forms accessible that may be needed in Court to prevent delays in hearings or to assist parents in moving forward with their case plan task. Releases, referrals, drug screens, bus passes, safety plans, visitation plans, etc.
• Document appropriate information into FSFN related to court hearings covered for Case Management.
• Immediately report any significant events or concerns related to case management performance in court to Supervisor/APDs/Program Director. Responsible for identifying and reporting any trends related to Case Manager Court Performance.
• Meet with Leadership teams weekly to obtain status of court reports being turned in within established timelines. Meet with identified case managers to assist them in addressing barriers they may have submitting work products timely. 
• Support Case Management by completing identified court-ordered follow up, when appropriate.
• Serves as CMO point of contact for legal and community meetings such as DCIC, brown bag lunches, etc. Works collaboratively with key partners, including Children’s Legal Services and court personnel to problem-solve barriers to achieve permanency through court processes.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours and travel as needed. 
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and tolerate extended periods of data entry.  

Education:

Education – bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the areas of psychology, social work, or related human service field; master’s degree preferred; Child Welfare Certification required.

Experience:

Minimum of three years of Florida child welfare experience is preferred as well as experience working in Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) Integrated Child Welfare Information System. Supervisory experience preferred.

Skills:

Incumbent must possess knowledge of statutes, contract terms, data analysis, and performance standards.  Ability to analyze data and trends, apply that information to accepted standards, and create written reports and presentations. Must be detail-oriented and highly organized, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Computer experience in a Windows environment, Microsoft Office (Excel, WORD, POWERPOINT), ability to learn and utilize other software programs (such as FSFN  and CoBRIS).  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Public speaking skills; Must be highly motivated and self-directed.  Knowledge of community resources, service referrals and linkage, and child development; including physical, mental, emotional and cultural and ethnicity issues required.  Ability to motivate and engage families and a solid understanding of trauma informed care. Ability to work under stressful situations with poise; Must attend relevant skills-enhancement training and demonstrate required program specific knowledge. Time management skills necessary to accomplish this position.  

Other:

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license and meet state criminal background check requirements.

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. 

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.