Family Support Specialist (FAYS)

FAYS Family Support Specialist Job Description
Salary: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Position Classification & Compensation
This role is classified as an exempt or non-exempt full-time employee as those terms are defined in the Center’s Employee Handbook and is eligible for employee benefits as defined for this classification.

Reports to: Program Director or Designee

Effective: 10/01/2025

Summary: The Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides direct services to families with youth ages 17 and younger, building strong relationships with families, social service agencies, and the community to support family well-being. This cross-trained role delivers evidence-based services such as family engagement, education, outreach, and systems-building activities, while also connecting families to resources that meet basic needs. FSS staff facilitate individual or group sessions using different curricula, such as Why Try and Strengthening Families, to promote communication, problem-solving, parenting strategies, and resilience. When higher levels of care are needed, the FSS coordinates referrals to FAYS Counselors or outside providers. Services are delivered in alignment with program and funder requirements. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure all projects are completed. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and employee expectations based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual and group sessions using evidence-based curricula such as Why Try and Strengthening Families, tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of each family.
• Guide participants in developing problem-solving skills, effective parenting strategies, stress/conflict management, and positive communication to strengthen protective factors and resilience.
• Incorporate both curricula independently or concurrently, depending on family goals, engagement level, and service plan.
• Deliver skills-based training for youth and parents aligned with curriculum objectives.
• Facilitate Parent Cafés, that complement the curricula and reinforce family engagement.
• Provide supportive crisis response during sessions, connecting families to higher levels of care or specialized services as needed.

• Conduct intake, assessment, and initial service plan development with families.
• Review and update service plans regularly to ensure progress toward goals.
• Assist families in accessing and coordinating basic needs and community resources (e.g., housing, food, healthcare, transportation).
• Refer families to FAYS Counselors or external providers when a higher level of care is required.
• Support transition and closure planning at the end of services to maintain progress.

• Track and document time and services with accuracy to ensure services are provided according to contract provisions and reimbursement requirements.
• Complete all client- and program-related paperwork according to established timelines and guidelines.
• Adhere to accreditation standards, licensing standards, and agency policies/regulations.
• Learn and apply evidence-based methodologies and service delivery requirements as determined by the Center and funders.
• Present cases during staffings, engage in peer feedback, and incorporate input to ensure quality service delivery.
• Participate in program planning, monitoring, and Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) processes to maintain fidelity to curricula and contractual obligations.
• Flexibly adapt to changes in staffing, program scope, and service modalities.
• Deliver services that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and strength-based, honoring the diversity of the families served.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships at service sites, including the Center’s campus, schools, client homes, and partner organizations.
• Build referral sources and maintain caseloads to help meet program goals.
• Participate in community outreach and coalitions, representing the program at events, presentations, and booths focused on child abuse prevention and family strengthening.
• Perform other assignments as determined by the Program Director.

Skills

• Knowledge of the FAYS Program.
• Evidence-based modalities and strength-based approaches.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficiency in analyzing data and preparing reports for funders.
• In-depth understanding of compliance, confidentiality, and ethical standards in client services.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing program needs.
• Cultural competence to tailor services to diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration.
• Resilience and stress management to navigate challenges effectively.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field; and
• Experience for education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis if the person holding the family support specialist position does not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Have at least one year of relevant program experience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English is preferred.
• Exceptional computer skills, including proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite of business applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
• Must have driver’s license, vehicle in safe operating condition, and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards.
• Must be able and willing to travel for trainings/meetings/conferences.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and lift and carry at least 25 pounds.

Personal & Professional Conduct

• The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves and to serve as positive role models for them.  All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Center’s Personnel Policies.

Flexibility

• Every program at the Center is community and client-centric. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the team’s performance and the funder’s expectations and on agency/management strategic goals.  The flexibility needed in this role includes scheduling of meetings/events/activities, training, staff meetings, and out-of-town travel for training and/or grant requirements.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance