Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) Specialist

osition Summary: The GAP Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for licensure for Level 1 relative, non-relative and fictive kin caregivers that close to Permanent Guardianship, eligible for the Guardianship Assistance Program. This position is responsible for reviewing case plans to meet eligibility requirements, assisting families in completing all necessary requirements and collaborating with Case Management to ensure appropriate case closure and completing of all required documentation.

Technical/Functional Expectations

1. Outreach:  Contact kinship caregivers to ensure completion of all required paperwork for case closure and eligibility determination. Contact kinship family when notified by the assigned DCM that the case is closing to Permanent Guardianship.
2. Case Plan Review:  Ensure case plans meet the required elements for GAP prior to case closure.
3. Assists Case Management:  Education, outreach, and training of CMA staff on the requirements of GAP to ensure proper case closure and avoid premature case closure that could result in the denial of caregiver funding and services.
4. Background screening: Contact successor guardian and complete required background check.
5. GAP Application and Guardianship Annual Assistance Agreement (GAA):  Provide caregiver GAP application and create GAA in FSFN and forward to the family for signature. Negotiate GAP GAA payments.
6. GAP and EGAP Re-Determination:  Ensure GAP redetermination annually; EGAP redetermination for all families twice per year.
7. Collaboration:  Work collaboratively with Rev Max to determine Title IV-E eligibility.
8. On Call Rotation:  Participate in first tier on call rotation.
9. Other duties as required: Job performance requires fulfilling other incidental or related duties as assigned, assisting, and training others, and performing duties of higher rated positions from time to time for developmental purposes.

Behavioral Competencies:

1. Attention to Detail: Able to be thorough and complete when working with assembling, processing, or providing detailed information; track details even when under pressure.
2. Customer Service: Able to anticipate and respond to customer's needs, concerns, or questions to meet or exceed their expectations; help evaluate needs and options; show care and concern to demonstrate customer importance and value.
3. Integrity: Able to demonstrate consistency of words and actions; protect confidential information; do what is right even when no one is watching; demonstrate sound business ethics; consistently comply with organizational values.
4. Verbal Communication: Able to clearly express ideas, information, or concerns with the spoken word; present verbal information in a straightforward manner; ask questions to open channels of communication; listen to understand perspective of others.
5. Self-Control: Able to maintain a composed problem-solving approach when faced with unrealistic expectations, pressing time demands, frustration, or interpersonal conflict.
6. Trust and Respect: Able to demonstrate respect and treat others in an honest and straightforward manner; keep dealings with others confidential; keep word and follow through on commitments.
7. Sensitivity: Work effectively with and show sensitivity to cultural differences and various socio-economic backgrounds of others.
8. Ethics: Adhere to and model principles and values of Agency and System of Care by being strength-based, solution-focused, maintains highest level of integrity and ethical standards and work collaboratively with employees, partners, stakeholders, and clients in all interactions.

Business Experience:

1. Valid Driver License - Essential: This is required to travel throughout the County and other locations for client and other meetings.
2. Effective verbal and written communication skills: This is required to develop effective and collaborative communications with children and families, the community and service providers. These skills are required to facilitate PRIDE classes and complete accurate and timely home studies.
3. Advanced computer and data entry skills: This is required to maintain spreadsheets and data in foster care licensing.
4. Certified Child Protection Professional - Essential: Required to serve in this role.
5. Collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills: This skill and experience is required to ensure successful integration into our system of care.
6. 2+ years prior experience in licensing: Prior experience in foster care licensing is essential to fulfill expectations, adhere to statutes and ensure timely deliverables.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

1. BA/BS - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required.
2. MA/MS - Master’s Degree or equivalent preferred.
3. 2+ years foster care licensing required.
4. 4+ years foster care licensing preferred

Physical Requirements:

1. Lifting 20 pounds
2. Carrying 20 pounds
3. Sitting
4. Standing
5. Stooping / Crouching
6. Bending
7. Reading
8. Speaking
9. Listening
10. Typing
11. Writing
12. Noise Conditions

Brevard Family Partnership and Brevard C.A.R.E.S. are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. These employers also maintain Drug-Free Workplaces. Requests for Auxiliary Aids for Hearing Impaired or Limited English Proficiency Candidates may be made with a minimum of five (5) days notice to C. Hernandez at (321) 752-4650.