Family Support Specialist (Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time) - Military veterans preferred

Job Description

Starting annual salaries are: $45,00 bachelor's level, $47,000 bilingual bachelor's level will commensurate with experience

It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, internal equity and alignment with market data.

Reunification and TFT Specialist(s):

Responsible for provision of Reunification Services and Therapeutic Family Time. Provide reunification services to families referred by DCF providing short-term intensive in-home services following the removal of a child(ren) due to abuse or neglect in order to promote successful reunification. Will conduct weekly home visits and work closely with the bio-family and resource family (substitute caregiver), as well as conduct therapeutic family time (supervised visits) and transportation to and from visits, provide on-call support to families; and provide intervention as needed. Services are provided in coordination with DCF and other community service providers. Family Support Specialist are also responsible for providing Therapeutic Family Time (TFT) services to families who are referred by DCF. Transportation of children will be required. TFT services will utilize the Visit Coaching Modelin their Therapeutic Family Time work. As part of Visit Coaching, the coach is actively involved in supporting the parents to demonstrate their best parenting skills, utilizing a strength-based approach. A range of coaching approaches /interventions can be used based on the individual strengths and needs of the parents including: Use of play, modeling, instruction, and rehearsal.

JOB SUMMARY

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for provision of case management, support services, mental health services to children and families, or community programs, in coordination with other agency and community services and documentation of services as required by program policies and funding sources. Provides service in the office, home or host setting, to meet the unique needs of families served.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct services to children and their families which may include:
  • Conducts comprehensive assessments and engagement
  • Develops treatment plans and contracts for services
  • Implements treatment plans, modifying it as appropriate during the course of treatment
  • Discharge planning, which may include plans for follow up treatment and connection to community services and programs
  • Provides case management services
  • Works with community groups in collaborative ventures
• Completes clinical documentation and reports, as well as any other documentation and reports required by agency and program policies and funding sources, accurately and timely.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with other community agencies and organizations, in order to provide comprehensive and effective treatment services for clients (i.e., schools, courts, hospitals, etc.).
• Works as a team member with other clinical and administrative staff to respond to client and programmatic needs.
• Contributes to agency organizational life by participating in agency wide task forces, committees or problem solving teams as appropriate.
• Contributes to agency visibility and development of community linkages by representing The Village in community groups or committees, as assigned by supervisor.

Experience and Skills

EDUCATION

BA in the human services field or BSW required.

EXPERIENCE

• Three years’ experience in a comparable position in a human services agency preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to communicate comfortably with children, parents, and school personnel.
• Organized and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to multi-task.
• Cultural competency to serve targeted populations.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Experience working with inner-city children.
• Commitment to Results/Performance Based Accountability.
• May be required to maintain valid driver’s license and ability to drive or otherwise obtain transportation to provide services throughout the service area.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet applications. Possess solid general computer skills. Familiarity with specific applications used by The Village a plus.