Entry Level Legal Assistant Jobs in New Port Richey, FL

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job

The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter is responsible for achieving permanency for children and youth in foster care through the implementation of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Child-Focused Recruitment Model. This position manages a caseload of waiting youth, develops and facilitates permanency planning efforts, recruits and identifies adoptive families, and collaborates with child welfare professionals, community partners, and prospective adoptive families to support successful permanency outcomes. The Adoption Recruiter serves as a subject matter expert in child-focused recruitment, maintains accurate documentation and reporting, provides pre-adoption support, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contractual requirements, and agency policies while promoting the best interests of children and youth served.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Caseload Management and Child-Focused Recruitment

• Manage an active caseload of 12–15 youth involved in the dependency system and pursue legal permanency through adoption.
• Implement the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Child-Focused Recruitment Model in accordance with program requirements.
• Actively review identified parties for potential recruitment for assigned youth who have not been matched with a pre-adoptive family.
• Monitor youth requiring additional preparation prior to recruitment, youth matched with families, and youth in pre-adoptive placements. Total caseload shall not exceed 20–25 youth.

2. Youth Engagement and Permanency Planning

• Conduct monthly face-to-face visits with each youth on the assigned caseload.
• Attend case staffings, court-related meetings, permanency planning meetings, and other activities related to achieving permanency goals.
• Travel throughout the state as necessary to establish and maintain relationships with youth and support permanency efforts.

3. Staffing Facilitation and Professional Collaboration

• Review and analyze relevant case information prior to meetings, including information contained in FSFN, Clerk of Court records, and other available systems.
• Maintain professionalism, neutrality, and objectivity during meetings and staffing's.
• Facilitate meaningful participation by encouraging input from all attendees.
• Utilize mediation and conflict-resolution techniques when appropriate.
• Balance stakeholder participation with efficient meeting facilitation and time management.
• Observe and assess verbal and non-verbal group dynamics.
• Ensure recommendations and action plans are consistent with applicable statutes, administrative codes, court orders, and agency policies, and are supported through consensus or court approval as required.

4. Partnership Development and Matching Activities

• Collaborate with Adoption Case Managers, Adoption Recruiters, and other child welfare professionals to identify and facilitate potential adoptive matches.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Community-Based Care agencies, Case Management Organizations, and child welfare stakeholders throughout Florida.

5. Pre-Adoption Support Services

• Provide support, guidance, and coordination to prospective adoptive families matched with youth on the assigned caseload.
• Assist families in navigating pre-adoption processes and addressing barriers to permanency.

6. Documentation, Data Collection, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments, reports, and program documentation.
• Enter case notes into the state of Florida’s statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS) within two (2) business days of contact.
• Submit documentation for inclusion in electronic case files within two (2) business days of receipt.
• Complete and submit required reports and data to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption within established deadlines.
• Submit monthly activity reports to leadership by the seventh (7th) day of the following month.

7. Training and Professional Development

• Participate in all required certifications, trainings, and professional development activities necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Attend educational opportunities sponsored by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, including the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit and related events.
• Share information and best practices obtained through statewide meetings, regional meetings, conferences, and training opportunities with local staff.
• Promote and implement best practices in child-focused recruitment and permanency planning.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain regular in-office attendance when not performing required field-based duties in order to carry out essential job functions, collaborate effectively with team members, participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, access agency resources and systems, and provide timely support for agency operations and service delivery.
• Must be able to drive and have reliable transportation to perform required field based activities
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position.

Working HOurs

Children’s Network of Hillsborough’s standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position is an in-office based position with fieldwork requirements, that averages 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary outside of these standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet operational demands. All hours worked will be compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and agency policies, including applicable overtime and other compensation requirements.

Travel

Travel both within and outside of Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County) is a requirement of this position. The employee must be able to drive and have reliable transportation to perform the essential functions of the position. Additionally, this position involves the transportation of children as part of the job responsibilities.

All employees are required to complete fifteen (15) hours of training annually, which may be completed online or in a classroom setting. Employees who hold a credential or license relevant to their position must ensure that all training and continuing education requirements are met to maintain their credential or licensure.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology or other fields approved by the Florida Certification Board; masters degree is preferred
• At least two years of child welfare and/or adoption experience is preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Highly organized and self-motivated professionals with strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Adept at building positive relationships, working collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments, and effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Recognized for excellent listening skills and a team-oriented approach. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. A thorough understanding of confidentiality laws and regulations, including HIPAA and child welfare statutes, is crucial. Familiarity with adoption processes and related documentation is highly desirable, as is the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and always maintain a high level of professionalism.

pre-employment requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Must meet the Children’s Network requirements for certification as a Child Welfare Case Manager within one year of hire into the position unless exempted by Children’s Network management.
• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Driver’s license check is a requirement
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify

Other Requirements

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The ability to read, understand, and effectively communicate child welfare policies and procedures is essential. Professionals must accurately interpret policies, clearly convey them to stakeholders, and consistently apply them in case management. This ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards, minimizes errors, and supports informed decision-making. Additionally, the capacity to explain policies in an accessible manner to families and team members is key to fostering transparency and building trust.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Demonstrates strong mathematical skills essential for analyzing data, managing budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency. Proficient in performing financial calculations, interpreting statistical data, and developing forecasts, they support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Their expertise includes working with complex metrics, identifying trends, and evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure informed operational adjustments.

REASONING ABILITY

Must exhibit strong reasoning abilities to evaluate complex cases, assess barriers to permanency, and develop effective strategies for resolution. This role requires the capacity to analyze data, interpret policies, and apply sound judgment to make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of children and families. The ability to think critically and anticipate potential challenges is essential, as is adapting to dynamic situations while maintaining focus on achieving permanency goals. Possess the ability to support collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational and legal standards.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an in-office position with both administrative and field work responsibilities. The noise level in the office is typically moderate. The role involves travel between agency locations and to community settings for field work, as well as extended periods of computer use and  frequent communication across multiple departments. Field work may include but is not limited to home visits, transportation assistance, and collaboration with external partners. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ADA:       Children’s Network of Hillsborough will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:        Children’s Network of Hillsborough does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough is a Drug-Free Workplace.