Family Support Specialist

Overview Catholic Community Services, Family Behavioral Health is looking for a Family Support Specialist to join our team of innovators who explore and develop new approaches and implement novel strategies. This position will be based out of the FBH Portland office. Our clinical teams provide individualized, creative and flexible services infused with evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies, primarily in the home and community with some work in an office site. Responsibilities This position provides one-on-one mental health treatment strategies and services to high-risk children, youth and their families in the family home, therapeutic foster home, and/or community locations (e.g. crisis in emergency departments, crisis response or behavioral observation and assessment in home and schools). The FSS works with the youth and family to participate in community safety and wellness activities during times of stabilization. Assess safety and risk in crisis situations and access additional support as needed. Mentoring and coaching/implementing behavioral support, treatment and safety/crisis plans in the home and community are a strong component. All treatment services must be documented per required timeframes, in accordance with federal Medicaid requirements and entered into Psych Consult (FBH EHR) and other relevant EHR systems per contract requirements. Present as a positive and responsible role model to youth and families, maintain professional boundaries, and provide on-call availability (including 24/7 availability on a rotating basis). Provide and implement prescribed mental health treatment strategies, crisis response and de-escalation as needed, and Crisis Plan implementation. Incorporate recovery-oriented wellness and individualized skill-building strategies. Act as a “First Responder” for direct crisis response, de-escalation, emergency supervision and redirection of children and youth in home, school, and community settings. Participate in clinical intake observation and assessment of child/youth with the goal of multi-dimensional assessment across home, school and community. Present clinical observations to the team to inform safety and treatment planning. Collaborate with assigned clinician to identify and support access to physical health and substance abuse treatment services in the community. Contribute to development and implementation of individualized treatment plans and ongoing supervision/assessment of needs. Deliver behavioral health services, modeling social skills, coping strategies, anger management, and alternatives to aggression; provide skill-building support to enhance functioning and safety in the community. Complete family and behavioral health assessments (e.g., CANS) and assist clinicians with CALOCUS or related assessments as required. Assess family needs for community resources to support safety and recovery-oriented treatment. Assess home environments for safety and risk, including situations involving suicidal ideation or other high-risk concerns, and coordinate with clinicians and resources as needed. Clinical Documentation and Collaboration Document accurately within required timeframes in the FBH EHR and other relevant systems; communicate with licensing and reporting entities as required by law. Demonstrate understanding of behavioral health services and their role in wellness and recovery; engage families with compassion, respect and enthusiasm for recovery. Complete intake information and assist in determining medical eligibility for services in alignment with Medicaid requirements and state standards. Deliver direct therapeutic services using evidenced-based and promising practices (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapies) tailored to each youth and family’s needs and culture; collaborate with the clinician to evaluate effectiveness and adjust plans as necessary. Provide crisis response and safety planning, and collaborate on safety and treatment plan updates as needed. Implementing Services Healthcare Coordination - Collaborate with families, primary care physicians and healthcare specialists to support coordination of medical and behavioral health services for children/youth and caregivers. Use Motivational Interviewing to focus interventions on strengths and needs of child, youth and family. Plan treatment sessions using clinical tools to identify evidence-based services and provide those services directly in home and community settings. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Age 21 or older per DSHS requirements. Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, human development or related field, or an Associate degree with three years’ relevant experience; substitution rules may apply per policy. Eligibility to become an Agency Affiliated Counselor with WA State (HIV/AIDS required). Proof of negative TB test within the past 12 months. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Availability to work flexible hours (evenings, nights, weekends). Ability to assess safety in family home conditions and crisis situations. Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record per CCS policy. Must pass required background checks prior to employment offer. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; uphold the mission and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services. Ability to deliver culturally competent services in multicultural settings. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social services, mental health or related field and one or more years of relevant experience serving children and/or families. EEO Note Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Please let us know if you need special accommodations to apply or interview for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr