Court Liaison

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position facilitates communication with case stakeholders to oversee cases that are accurately and completely presented and expedite case movement through the legal process.

Youth and Family Advocates is committed to fostering a trauma informed workplace culture, to include a commitment to ensuring that employees interact with children, families, and each other in ways that promote healing, resiliency, and responsiveness to the impact of trauma in the lives of individuals.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel and conduct home visits as required.
• Demonstrate sufficient computer proficiency to perform all essential job duties.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex information.
• Display appropriate social skills, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Exercise sound judgment in applying and interpreting organizational policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform administrative support activities, including researching, compiling data, and preparing correspondence and reports.
• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate meetings.
• Ability to coordinate services in alignment with case plans.
• Provide training, coaching, and guidance to staff as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity to the populations served.
• Maintain punctuality and consistent attendance.
• Abide by the agency’s core values, mission statement, and EEO principles promoting dignity and respect in the workplace.
• Ability to accept guidance and direction from supervisors.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Obtain court dockets and notify appropriate staff of hearings or motions related to program cases.
• Meet with program management to review and prepare for scheduled or requested hearings.
• Promote positive working relationships among stakeholders, legal representatives, and clients.
• Provide formal and informal training to staff regarding court processes, including appropriate courtroom behavior and testifying procedures.
• Track review hearing dates and collaborate with program staff to ensure court scheduling, timely filing of court reports, and notification of involved parties.
• Identify and address communication or procedural issues between the lead agency and the legal system.
• Staff cases with supervisors, team members, providers, DCF, and attorneys as necessary.
• Prepare summary reports regarding legal conferences, hearings, and court outcomes for program management and other stakeholders.
• Prepare for and attend court hearings as assigned.
• Complete required documentation related to case reopen requests.
• Participate in quality management processes.
• Maintain projection trackers and participate in projection cohort meetings.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in human services, legal services, business administration, child development or related field. 2+ year experience in foster care and adoptions or early childhood environment. 1+ year of experience with dependency proceedings, preparation of reports for the courts, court testimony, and child welfare or child protective services MSW/MA in human services (preferred) and a valid and active Florida Child Welfare Case Management Certification.

Physical Requirements: Ability to travel regionally on a regular basis and statewide as needed; ability to bend, lift, and carry 30 pounds