Missing Children's Specialist

Cherishing Our Children Since 1977

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 help 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 Missing Children’s Specialist, you will identify and assess if a child is missing from the care of the agency, take initial steps to locate the child and report the child missing to the appropriates parties.  In addition, this position is responsible for ensuring that upon assignment of Foster Care Referrals, a thorough and timely assessment is completed. Finally, this position will assist the Independent Living Program as required.

Why join CFCE:

• Great benefits package, including a Zero (0) cost out of pocket medical plan, 13 Paid Holidays and a competitive Paid Time Off Package
• Making an invaluable impact in your community
• Growth and professional development opportunities available
• Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • We are a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

 Some of the Functions Include:

• Responsible for determining if a child is missing from the care of the agency,
• Taking initial steps to locate the child,
• Assist FCM in completion of required forms within designated time frames,
• Reporting the child missing to local law enforcement, the Courts (issuance of Pick Up Order), the Missing Child Tracking System (MCTS) and other relevant individuals within the required timeframes,
• Complete a Missing Child Report (MCR) in FSFN within 24 hours of child being reported missing
• Conducting efforts to locate the child as required by CFCE, the Lead Agency (Citrus FCN) and DCF Policy and Procedures,
• Management of Foster Care Referrals Including:
  • Reviewing all prior abuses, neglect, or abandonment reports within FSFN; all prior Foster Care Referrals; and all records contained within the licensing file including, but not limited to, prior Corrective Action Plans, in order to complete a full review of the child’s history and foster parent’s history as part of the assessment.
  • Respond to the home within 72 hours of receipt of Foster Care Referral to assess the concerns in the referral and interview all parties including any professionals on the child’s team that can provide additional information regarding the care the children are receiving in the home. 
  • Scheduled meeting to discuss findings, assessment, and/or actions to remedy any needs or services and make referrals, as necessary. Document all findings of assessment into a FSFN note under the FCR.

• Independent Living Services Support include:
  • Facilitate the annual Independent Living staffing in conjunction with the Dependency Case Manager and/or Supervisor and other respective attendees, for each child who has reached 13 years of age but is not yet l5 years old, every six months for each child who has reached 15 years of age but is not yet 18, and at three months prior to their 18th birthday to evaluate the progress of the child.
  • Assist with the completion and reviews of related Life Skills Assessment, monthly documentation log and Annual Plans.
  • Monitors the life skills/practical services provided by the caregivers (licensed) as they have been emboldened to provide these services.
  • Complete written reports to provide to the courts at each judicial review and permanency hearings.

Minimum Education/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Service related field from an accredited University with 2 years’ relevant experience working with children and families in the Child Welfare System

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in a non-human services related field and 4 years’ relevant experience working with children and families in the Child Welfare System,

Skills Needed

• Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions,
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including presentation skills,
• 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
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

CFCE is a Drug Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.