Dilligent Search Specialist

Mission Statement The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families. General Purpose of Job The Diligent Search Specialist is responsible for conducting safe, thorough, and timely searches in accordance with Florida Statutes, the Florida Administrative Code, and CFOP guidelines. The primary objective of these searches is to identify and locate any absent parent in support of child welfare and case management efforts. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Responsible for overseeing the standards used for performing diligent searches as required per Chapters 39, 63, 435, and DCF Policy. Auditing of all diligent search requests. Mentors, coaches, new diligent search staff. Responsible for interfacing with municipal, county/state and out of state law enforcement and judiciary to both expand access to criminal and civil histories. Responsible for continuing development of Diligent Search Team’s access to criminal and civil histories. Supports the project’s QA function, QA data needs, and deadlines for reports and monitoring as they pertain to diligent searches. Conduct diligent search activities in accordance with Florida Statute, Florida Administrative Code, and CNHC operating policy until missing parent(s) are located or until such time as the court orders the search to be terminated. Prepare Affidavit of Diligent Search (ADS) for court dates in which Children's Legal Services is filing for Dependency or Termination of Parental Rights Develop and maintain an effective diligent search process to be used in locating missing parents for children in protective custody of the Department. Maintain effective diligent search process by continually updating the process with new information and resources, as they become available. Maintain working relationship with local, state, and federal agencies by means of telephone, correspondence, or personal contact in order to obtain data on missing person(s). Utilize any and all public county and statewide databases available to locate missing individuals in an expedient manner. Conduct diligent searches for persons needing to be served with ex-parte/injunctions. Request and respond to telephone inquiries in a prompt and professional manner. Organize and file each diligent search in a proper manner. Maintain computerized logs/tracking’s of diligent search information to share with Children's Legal Services and Case Management Organization monthly. Maintain up to date addresses for entity letters mailed out. Monitor FSFN/CCIS notes for parents once summons has been issued and served or non-served. Assist case management and Children's Legal Services staff in obtaining putative father registry requests from the Department of Health. Maintain computerized logs of Putative Father Registry requests. Assist case management and Children's Legal Services in obtaining necessary information on absent/ missing parents. Facilitates live scan fingerprinting for all prospective caregivers, newly hired staff, 5-year employee rescreens, and any other parties who may require background screening in relationship to their role within the child welfare system. Availability to conduct fingerprinting before/after business hours and on weekends to expedite placement of children in emergency shelter status. Participate in agency quality improvement process, as needed. Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position. Working HOurs Children’s Network of Hillsborough’s standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position is an in-office based position that averages 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary outside of these standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet operational demands. All hours worked will be compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and agency policies, including applicable overtime and other compensation requirements. Travel Travel within and outside of Hillsborough County is required. Training All employees are required to complete fifteen (15) hours of training annually, which may be completed online or in a classroom setting. Employees who hold a credential or license relevant to their position must ensure that all training and continuing education requirements are met to maintain their credential or licensure.