Family Support Specialist

Position Summary:The Family Support Specialist/Social Worker will function as a team member in coordinating services for children under the care and supervision of JAFCO’s family preservation, foster care, adoption, emergency shelter and group home programs. The Family Support Specialist will serve as the child and family’s advocate in attempting to provide and facilitate the best possible care and treatment available.Role and ResponsibilitiesThis person’s job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:Receive and document referrals for clinical services made to the agencyConduct an initial intake on all referrals to assess child and family’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferencesIdentify and develop service goals/plan and recommendations for the child and familySchedule regular and on-going home visits and maintain an on-going professional relationshipProvide on-going support and information to families that conform to regulatory and professional standards in congruence with the agency’s mission, vision and valuesConduct support groups as scheduled by the agencyMaintain an awareness of services available throughout the community and assist families served in accessing appropriate resourcesMaintain timely case notes, file documentation and required paperwork per agency policyMaintain productivity standards and requirementsConduct therapeutic supervised visitation and prepare visitation summary and court reportsAttend court hearings, IEP and other school meetings or any other provider meeting related to the child and family as neededCommunicate with school, psychiatrist, therapist, pediatrician, and other professionals working with the child and familyAttend individual supervision and staff meetingsMindfully integrate the Trauma Informed Care Model and Person-Centered Approach into all procedures, practices, and daily interactionsCollaborate with schools and community professionals to ensure systemic support for clients and continuation of trauma-informed careProvide on-call support in rotation with the clinical team (serve as part of the on-call team)Provide clinical support to programs at the Village and throughout other sites as neededFollow Florida Child Abuse Reporting RulesShare all safety-related concerns with direct supervisor, Clinical Director, and the Director of Operations and Clinical ServicesPrepare a termination summary prior to the child’s discharge from the programPerform all other duties as requested or assignedCOMPETENCIES:Interpersonal Communication SkillsProfessionalism, Critical Thinking and TeamworkPractice-based Learning and Quality ImprovementScreening and AssessmentCare Planning and Care CoordinationIntervention SkillsCultural Competence and AdaptationOrganization and TechnologyPhysical requirements:Staff must be physically capable of driving an automobile in a safe manner. Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time as needed. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; able to lift, push or pull up to 25 lbs.Qualifications and Education Requirements:Master’s degree in social work or psychology at least two years direct experience working with families and childrenMust possess a combination of experience or relevant education, training, and working knowledge of community development practice, crisis and trauma counseling, developmental disabilities, mental health and illness, behavioral issues, anger management, and drug and alcohol issues, indicating the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties.Demonstrated ability in meeting-facilitation, oral presentations, and situations of conflictAbility to work within and assist others in navigating through complex systems; understanding of treatment programs, mental health terminology, including diagnostic categories; knowledge of privacy guidelines and ability to communicate difficult/sensitive informationAbility to work in diverse community with children of varied ages and backgrounds presenting a range of difficulties and personal issuesFlexibility of working hours will be required to meet the child and family’s needs which include evening (2-3 per week) and weekend hours as neededCompletion of annual 40 hours in-service agency trainingCPR, First Aid and Water Safety certification (Will train/certify after hire)PCM certification for Practitioner 2 (Accommodation may be available if needed. Will train/certify after hire)Valid Driver’s License and clean driving recordStrongly prefer to maintain Bodily Injury Liability insurance of $100,000 per claim, $300,000 per incident on their personal automobile when driving clientsEOE #J-18808-Ljbffr