GAP Specialist

Job Details

Job Location:

Buschwood - Tampa, FL 33618

Position Type:
Full Time

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

The purpose of the Guardian Assistance Program Specialist is to identify, train, assess and maintain placements with relatives, non-relatives, and fictive kin through coordination and provision of the Guardian Assistance Program.

• Promotes the Guardian Assistance Program (GAP) and the importance of relative, non-relative, and fictive kin placements through training sessions and community presentations to key stakeholders.
• Collaborates with Child Welfare Case Managers to educate current and prospective caregivers on licensing levels and GAP requirements.
• Completes Level 1 licensing assessments through the Unified Home Study process, including conducting abuse registry checks and criminal background screenings.
• Attends court hearings as needed to provide placement recommendations in the best interest of the child.
• Provides and coordinates ongoing support services for relative and non-relative caregiver families, regardless of case status (active or closed).
• Develops and maintains resource materials for caregivers, ensuring accessibility in both electronic and print formats.
• Conducts follow-up on initial placements and partners with Child Welfare Case Managers to ensure caregivers have the necessary supports to maintain stable placements.
• Participates in staffings and multidisciplinary meetings to advocate for the best interests and well‑being of the children served.
• Maintains 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position.

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 within and outside of Hillsborough County is required. The employee must be able to drive and have reliable transportation to perform the essential functions of the position.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field required.
• Current Child Welfare Professional certification preferred; must obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare, such as a Child Welfare Case Manager, Child Protective Investigator, or similar role.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare practices, including kinship care, licensing requirements, and the Guardian Assistance Program (GAP), with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences such as caregivers, case managers, community stakeholders, and court personnel. Skilled in delivering training sessions and presentations that promote program awareness and…