Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times.  Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Court Liaison facilitates communication with case stakeholders to oversee cases are accurately and completely presented and expedite case movement through the legal process. Overall, the Court Liaison contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1. Facilitate communication with case stakeholders to oversee cases are accurately and completely presented and expedite case movement through the legal process.

• Obtain copies of court dockets and notify staff and attorneys of any hearings or motions relating to CHS cases.
• Meet with program management to discuss scheduled or requested hearings regarding active CHS cases.
• Promote positive relationships, cooperation, and high regard among all case stakeholders and CHS clients.
• Provide formal and informal training to staff and clients regarding court processes and appropriate behavior.
• Track dates for review hearings and collaborate with the program staff to ensure alignment with court schedule.
• Identify and resolve communication or procedural issues between the CHS staff and the legal systems.
• Staff cases with supervisor/team/providers/DCF/attorney as needed.
• Prepare summary reports for program management and/or other parties regarding the status of scheduled legal conferences or hearings and case outcomes before the court.
• Prepare for and attend court hearings as assigned.
• Manage travel, psychotropic requests, putative father requests, diligent search affidavits, out of town inquiries (OTI), interstate compact on the placement of children (ICPC) matters, and lead staffing ordered by the court.

2. Verify and oversee timely and accurate documentation for court cases.

• Communicate with court employees, Children’s Legal Services, and judges to keep them informed of CHS programs and services.
• Review legal documents for accuracy with Children’s Legal Services and the court.
• Track the timeliness of legal documents submissions and frequency of corrections being required.
• Provide periodic statistical reporting on court activity.
• Act as the lead or may assist in corroborating that master trust documents are attached to legal documents.
• Act as the lead or may assist in reviewing and taking action on credit reports for youth in licensed care.
• Provide timely written notes on hearings, court orders, and assigned cases to supervisors.

3. Liaise between court system and Early Childhood Court Team.

• Develop and periodically revise policies and procedures with the Early Childhood Court Team.
• Coordinate with families in the dependency system to provide initial referrals.
• Communicate and advocate Early Childhood Court Team recommendations to court employees and judges.
• Implement local evaluation plans and collect and report data to Early Childhood Court Team database.

4. Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Allied Legal Services, Business Administration, Child Development or related field from an accredited university, preferred.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child welfare, Early Childhood Education or related Human Services field, preferred.
• Florida Driver’s License within 30 days from hire is required, along with daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle, required.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in a dependency or early childhood environment, required.
• One year of experience with dependency proceedings, preparation of reports for the courts, court testimony, and child welfare or child protective services, required.
• Completion of an accredited paralegal/legal assistant program or certification as a legal assistant, preferred.
• Florida Child Welfare Case Management Certification, preferred.

Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Dependency | Court/Legal Procedures | Child Welfare | Human Services | Legal Terminology

Skills and Proficiency in:

• Planning, project management, organization and time management
• Oral and written communication, including presentation and platform
• Collaboration, teamwork, consulting, facilitation, coaching and mentoring
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Ability to:

• Perform at a high level of autonomy, with general supervision.
• Perform under strong demands in fast-paced, diverse, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Commit to providing high customer satisfaction with positive service delivery results.
• Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Solve practical problems and document results using sound judgment.
• Remain sensitive to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Perform routine and complex administrative support activities research, analyze and compile complex data.
• Display appropriate social skills and diplomacy.
• Exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting organizational rules, policies, procedures, and services according to case plans.
• Handle highly stressful, sensitive situations; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of our CHS Common Bond Values.
• Be energetic, passionate and adaptable with a deep commitment to social service, empathy for children and families and a positive approach to embracing and managing change

 Together, good can be done.