Service Utilization Specialist

Job Details

Location:

Family Support Services of Suncoast Admin Office - Largo, FL 33771

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree/BA or BS

Title:

Service Utilization Specialist

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Well-Being Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Discounts
• 401k Plan with 3% Employer Contribution

The mission of Family Support Services is to be the leader in providing safety, stability, and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit.

The Service Utilization Specialist serves a vital role in connecting children and families involved in the child welfare system with appropriate support services. Working closely with case managers, community providers, and other key stakeholders, the specialist ensures timely and effective referrals to services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, housing assistance, and educational support.

This position is responsible for reviewing case plans and service needs, verifying service availability and eligibility, coordinating referrals, tracking service engagement, and following up to ensure delivery and progress. The specialist also helps identify gaps in services and advocates for resource development to meet the needs of vulnerable families.

Success in this role requires strong knowledge of child welfare policies, trauma-informed care principles, and local/community-based resources. The specialist must maintain detailed and accurate documentation, support compliance with regulatory requirements, and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to promote child safety, permanency, and family well‑being.

• Collaborate with case managers and other stakeholders to identify service needs based on assessments and case plans.
• Facilitate timely referrals to a wide range of services, including mental health, substance use treatment, parenting education, housing assistance, medical care, and developmental screenings.
• Verify service availability and eligibility requirements; ensure referrals align with local and state child welfare regulations as well as client needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of referrals, service engagement, and client progress in the service referral system.
• Track and follow up on service delivery to ensure timely access, address barriers, and monitor outcomes.
• Coordinate with internal staff and external community-based providers to build and maintain a network of resources.
• Support efforts to identify service gaps and make recommendations for resource development or community partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies related to service provision and documentation.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case staffings, and care planning as needed.
• Maximize use of available resources, ensuring the best use of providers, services, and fund sources using expertise to guide as needed regarding the best service and provider.
• Enter referrals for service into the Service Referral system, monitor for provider acceptance, obtain regular provider feedback, and validate invoices for reimbursement.
• Perform other duties as assigned and relevant to meeting the needs of children and families within the system of care.

Generally Monday - Friday 8:30am-5pm. Hybrid.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field with 2 years’ experience in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and/or utilization management required. Master’s degree in related field preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and/or service referral/utilization management required. Master’s degree in related field can substitute for 1 year of experience. Prior experience coordinating services for children and families with complex needs preferred.
• Licensure,…