65C-15.016. Staff Functions and Qualifications

(1) The child-placing agency shall have a personnel file for each employee, that shall be available on site for review by the Department, which shall include the following:

(a) The application for employment;

(b) Verification that the screening requirements of Section 409.175(6)(a), F.S., have been completed and met, including an “Affidavit of Good Moral Character,” CF 1649, (April 2021), incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-15203.

(c) Employee’s start and termination dates and reason for termination;

(d) Annual performance evaluations and any disciplinary actions taken;

(e) Training record and conferences attended;

(f) Valid Identification;

(g) Employment history check prior to hire; and

(h) Signed acknowledgement of child abuse and neglect laws, reporting requirements, and confidentiality.

(i) Diploma or degree, if applicable.

(j) A copy of Child Welfare Professional Certification for employees who conduct child welfare services as set forth in paragraph (2)(d) of this rule.

(2) Qualifications:

(a) A director shall be responsible for the general management and administration of the agency in accordance with the licensing requirements and the policies of the governing body. The director shall have a degree in social work or in a related area of study specified in Section 402.402(1)(b), F.S. and four (4) years’ of experience in human services or child welfare programs. Additional related areas of study include human services, criminology, criminal justice, juvenile justice, behavioral science, child protection, education, law and protection, mental health, public administration, and public health.

(b) A supervisor shall be responsible for the supervision, evaluation, or monitoring of employees.

1. Supervisors providing oversight of social work functions or child welfare programs shall maintain qualifications in accordance with Section 402.402(1), F.S. The supervisor must have at least two (2) years’ experience in human services or child welfare programs.

2. Supervisors responsible for providing oversight of administrative staff shall meet the qualifications outlined in the agencies written personnel policies and procedures for recruitment, retention, and effective perfomance of qualified personnel.

(c) Caseworkers performing casework services shall maintain qualifications in accordance with Section 402.402(1), F.S.

(d) Child-placing agencies providing child welfare services in accordance with Section 402.40(2)(b), F.S., must ensure persons providing child-welfare services or supervisors providing oversight of child welfare programs, receive child welfare training and certification outlined in Chapter 65C-33, F.A.C.

(3) The Department may prohibit individuals who served as a board member, executive director or other officer of an agency that has failed to secure a license to operate as a child-placing agency or continued in operation after the revocation or suspension of the agency’s license, from employment or association with a licensed child-placing agency for a period of two (2) years’ after termination or cessation of that illegal operation.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175 FS. Law Implemented 409.175 FS. History–New 12-19-90, Formerly 10M-24.026, Amended 11-14-16, 3-1-23.