Out of Home Care Projects Specialist

Salary: $58,000

Position Summary:

The Out-of-Home Care Projects Specialist serves as a centralized liaison between Information & Eligibility and placement operations, supporting accurate placement records, timely coordination, and efficient service delivery across assigned counties. This role reconciles data across agency systems, (Visual Vault, Argos, FSFN/CCWIS, CCIS), identifies trends and service gaps, supports project tracking, and provides flexible coverage for key Out-of-Home Care functions based on departmental need.

Essential Functions:

1. Data Reconciliation and Placement Record Accuracy:
Serve as a centralized point of contact for reconciling placement-related data across agency systems, including Visual Vault, Argos, and FSFN/CCWIS. Investigate discrepancies involving placement dates, times, locations, and related documentation to support accurate and timely child placement records.

2. Project Tracking and Trend Analysis:
Collect, organize, and analyze data for assigned projects; identify trends, service gaps, and operational barriers; and support recommendations for process improvement within Out-of-Home Care operations.

3. Placement and Intake Support Coverage:
Provide needs-based coverage for Out-of-Home Care Placement Specialists and Intake Behavioral Health Coordinators to maintain continuity of service during vacancies, absences, peak workload periods, or other departmental needs.

4. On-Call Support:
Participate in the second-tier on-call rotation to support timely placement coordination and service delivery outside standard business hours, as assigned.

5. Family, Caregiver, and Partner Support:
Communicate professionally with children, families, caregivers, providers, and internal partners to support problem solving, stability, and appropriate service coordination.

6. Training, Special Projects, and Additional Support:
Assist with training, special projects, data requests, and other assigned responsibilities that support Out-of-Home Care operations. Provide temporary coverage for related functions as needed and within role expectations.

Behavioral Competencies:

1. Cultural Responsiveness and Professional Awareness: Recognizes verbal and nonverbal communication cues, responds respectfully to diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and adapts communication to support effective collaboration.

2. Analytical Problem Solving: Breaks down complex issues, evaluates available information, identifies root causes, and recommends practical solutions that support timely placement and service coordination.

3. Project Management: Defines project goals, tracks timelines and deliverables, monitors progress, and follows through on assignments with accuracy and accountability.

4. Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally in verbal and written formats, listens actively, and prepares accurate summaries, updates, and recommendations for internal and external partners.

5. Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively across placement, intake, behavioral health, and provider-facing functions; contributes constructively in meetings; and supports shared departmental goals.

6. Ethics and Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, maintains confidentiality, uses strength-based practices, and applies collaborative problem-solving in alignment with agency values.

7. Technical Skills: Uses Microsoft Office and agency databases effectively to support documentation, reconciliation, project tracking, and reporting.

Qualifications

Education

1. Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, behavioral health, public administration, or a related field. (required)

2. Master's degree in a related field (preferred)

Experience

1. 2–5 years related child welfare experience with an emphasis on placement in licensed out of home care (required)

2. 5–8 years related child welfare experience with an emphasis on placement in licensed out of home care (preferred)

Additional Requirements

1. Valid driver's license

2. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

4. Child Protection Certification or eligibility preferred

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds

2. Occasional walking, bending, stooping, and crouching

3. Frequent sitting and standing

4. Use of hands for grasping, typing, and writing.

5. Ability to read, speak, and listen effectively.

6. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel as required.