Independent Living 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 Assist in the implementation of Quality Management system Develop and implement System of Care (SOC) policies and procedures Prepare and analyze monthly management and performance reports Complete the State and Federal reporting process Complete System of Care training programs Identify System of Care needs and provide technical assistance to supply them Deliver services that assure the safety, permanency, and well being of children in the care of the Children’s Network of Hillsborough Provide performance assessment and feedback at provider Team Meetings Perform programmatic monitoring of contracts Track and report incidents and complaints 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 Participate in implementation of Quality Management System Participate in development of Independent Living policies and procedures Provide subject matter expertise around EGAP, EFC, PESS and Aftercare Participate in Quality Review and identification of trends Facilitate Independent Living training throughout the system of care Monitor Independent Living activities for youth 13-18 and ensure compliance with state, federal and policy standard Monitor and tracking of IL activities and assessments to ensure compliance with state requirements Implement and maintain Quality Improvement systems to: Comply with Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Meet goals or improve current performance by 2% Increase performance by 5% over current base Develop and implement System of Care procedures Develop new policies and procedures as needed Review existing policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with Federal, State, Region and Local laws/mandates/policies/procedures as well as the agency’s SOC. Maintain electronic / hard copy of approved policies and procedures Stay current with Federal and State Laws, rules and best practices Performance Reporting Prepare and analyze monthly management and performance reports Provide analysis utilizing FSFN reports State and Federal Reporting All State and Federal reporting requirements will be met in a timely manner, including: AFCAR error reports Independent Living Spending Plan Independent Surveying Instruments (e.g., NYTD, Checklist etc.) Other Reports as required Training Participate in all certification / training necessary for the fulfillment of job responsibilities Assure Child Professional certification is kept current. Disseminate information from statewide/region meetings/conference calls to local staff to assure best practices are being implemented Identify SOC training needs and resources Coordinate training with Staff Development Unit Technical Assistance Identify technical assistance needs Provide technical assistance on federal and state laws, rules, and programmatic and procedural issues Provide programmatic expertise for CMO Staff, External and Internal Customers re: independent living services and processes. Role of the Quality Management Specialist when conducting staffings of any type: Whenever possible, review relevant case information in advance to gain knowledge of the most current issues (Clerk of Court, FSFN, ASK etc.) Maintain a professional demeanor at all times Maintain neutrality without alliance to any of the parties Engage all attendees’ participation in the meeting by requesting their perspective on the matters being discussed Listen objectively and consider all opinions provided Step in and mediate immediately if there are obvious personal attacks Be flexible and balance the need for participation with the need to keep things running efficiently and within the allotted timeframe Pay attention to group behavior, both verbal and non-verbal Recommendations / plans that are developed must be aligned with statute, code, policy and require either consensus by all participating attendees or approval by the court Deliver services that assure the safety, permanency and well being of children Act as a liaison between DCF, lead agency and CMO’s to ensure youth are linked for all services and supports. Participate in hearings as a representative of the Children’s Network. Ensure 100% of children who are under a Independent Living have services in place consistent with the Independent Living continuum of services. Conduct Quality Management Review on specific cases per directive of QM Director, COO, CEO Team Meetings Participate in Case Management Organization Team Meetings and others relevant to area of expertise. Provide performance report and assessment of improvement initiatives. Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested 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. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.