Social Services Counselor

Requisition No: 877474

Agency:
Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Position Title:

Social Services Counselor (Position Number: )

Open Competitive Opportunity for up to six months. This posting may close prior to the closing date.

• Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• $25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurances at state rates
• State of Florida retirement package
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Tuition waiver for state college/university courses
• Training opportunities

$39,366.60 – $43,303.26 annually ($1,514.10 – $1,665.51 biweekly). Hiring salary may exceed the maximum posted salary.

• Manage a caseload of residents, assess and address their individual needs, and advocate for their well‑being, rights, and quality of life.
• Act as a liaison between residents, treatment teams, and guardians to facilitate communication and coordination.
• File supporting court documents on behalf of residents and maintain contact with guardians and guardian advocates, updating them on significant events such as injuries or abuse allegations.
• Prepare annual Individual Support Plan (ISP) reports, monthly Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) reports, and bi‑annual progress reports for guardians and advocacy staff.
• Send advance invitations for ISP meetings, distribute annual ISP summaries within 30 days post‑meeting, and conduct assessments through observation and record review.
• Encourage and assist guardians and advocates in visiting residents; support resident contact with their guardians via phone, cards, and letters.
• Monitor residents’ financial status, maintain Medicaid eligibility, inform supervisors before asset limits are reached, generate and approve Client Trust Fund (CTF) requests.
• Provide Medicaid‑eligible information to Accounting or Medicaid offices as needed.
• Conduct home, community, and center‑wide visits to maintain relationships and assess quality‑of‑life issues.
• Advocate for residents’ rights and conduct annual in‑service training for staff on resident rights.
• Attend ISP, IDT, psychiatric clinic reviews, Human Rights Advocacy Committee, placement/transition, self‑determination, and facility management meetings.
• Coordinate joint inventory reviews with the Home Manager at least every six months and report findings to the Program Manager or designee.

• Valid Florida State driver’s license within 30 days if hired with an out‑of‑state license.
• Corrective‑lenses or restricted license acceptable with lenses worn while operating a vehicle.
• Willingness to perform essential services before, during, and after emergencies, as required by APD OP 2‑0035.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• Willingness to work beyond the normal work schedule to maintain coverage levels.
• Maintain certification in Prevention and Safety Strategies, CPR, and Direct Care In‑Service.
• Complete Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida Statutes.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of social services.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; track workloads and meet deadlines; read, teach, and implement resident support plans; assess residents’ skills and needs; implement and monitor behavioral support plans; keep detailed records; apply problem‑solving techniques; understand applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skills in MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel), managing multiple high‑priority assignments, and communicating effectively orally and in writing.

The State of Florida is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with the State’s E‑Verify program. Veterans’ Preference is available for eligible candidates.