State of Florida·Tallahassee, Florida
Provide pediatric nursing expertise and comprehensive assessments to determine medically necessary long-term care for children in foster care and skilled nursing facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and families to advocate for the least restrictive care options and provide stakeholder education.
06/18/2026 Total Compensation Estimator ToolREGISTERED NURSE SPECIALIST Open Competitive Opportunity This advertisment may be used to fill multiple positions. The CMAT Registered Nurse functions as an integral member of the Children’s Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (CMAT). The individual in this position utilizes the nursing process to provide pediatric nursing expertise, assessment and evaluation services for children and youth in the determination of medically necessary long-term care services for Medical Foster Care (MFC), Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) and Model Waiver. In this position you will bring your nursing expertise to a collaborative, family‑centered team dedicated to ensuring children receive the care they need in the most supportive settings. In this role, you’ll review referrals and medical records, conduct comprehensive nursing assessments, and clearly communicate findings to families, providers, and community partners. You’ll be a key voice in multidisciplinary team discussions, helping determine eligibility for long‑term care services while advocating for family participation and the least restrictive care options. Beyond assessments, you’ll provide education, training, and outreach to stakeholders, strengthening awareness of the CMAT program and empowering families. You’ll also contribute to quality improvement initiatives, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and excellence in documentation and outcomes. This position offers the opportunity to combine clinical expertise with advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement, making a meaningful impact while growing professionally in a supportive, mission‑driven environment. Other duties as assigned: Includes coverage of MFC RN duties as assigned. What We’re Looking For:
Strong nursing and assessment skills. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. Passion for supporting foster families and children with complex medical needs. Commitment to quality, safety, and family-centered care.
Qualifications: Minimum:
Must hold an active Registered Nurse License in the State of Florida (F.S.
464) or Multistate RN License from another Compact State. Must hold a valid Driver’s License.
1-3 Years of pediatric nursing experience with children and youth with special health care needs . Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing from an accredited college or university. Experience working with or familiarity with the child welfare system, Medicaid Managed Care or Care Coordination/Case Management. Experience with electronic health records and data entry.
Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
Where
You
Will
Work: The incumbent for this position will work at one of the following CMS Office Locations:
2020 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee, FL 1313 N Tampa St., Tampa, FL 160 Governmental Center, Pensacola, FL 1551 Forum Place, West Palm Beach, FL
Travel Time 5% This is not a remote position. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions. (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com); Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. Please be advised: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration.
You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.
For more information, please visit the
SSS website: http://www.sss.gov If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility. Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days. All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Must hold an active Registered Nurse License in Florida or a Compact State and a valid Driver's License. Preference is given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in nursing and 1-3 years of pediatric experience with special health care needs.
Market context
In Florida, nursing roles are typically in steady demand across hospice, hospital, and other care settings, especially for RNs who can work independently and adapt to varied patient needs. These positions are competitive because employers often look for current RN licensure, at least one year of experience, active BLS certification, and reliable transportation, while benefits commonly include health insurance, professional development, and a supportive work environment. Before applying, confirm your license, BLS status, and driving readiness, and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time versus reading the full original posting.