Family Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Family Specialist is responsible for providing support services to youth and their families by engaging directly with the family and establishing a strengths-based relationship. Family Specialists work in the home and community to implement the Family Care Plan that is family-centered, community-oriented, strengths-based, culturally respectful and relevant, and highly individualized.

The Family Specialist builds trusting relationships with both the child/youth (referred to as “Youth”) and their parent/caregiver(s) (referred to as “Caregivers”), while providing practical guidance and strategies that address behavioral challenges and support emotional growth. In this role, the Family Specialist helps uncover unmet needs, teaches coping skills, and bridges gaps to repair relationships and build understanding amongst family members.

The Family Specialist engages both youth and caregivers to practice new skills, explore behaviors, and create lasting connections. The Family Specialist serves as the family’s primary behavioral support partner, working in coordination with the Child and Family Team (CFT) to support the Youth and Caregivers in achieving their goals.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Engage the Youth and important adults in authentic, supportive, respectful relationships that help them attain their vision of a better future.

· Support and ensure respect for Youth and Caregiver voice, choice, and preference throughout the four phases of Wraparound.

· Provide unconditional support using respectful listening for Youth and Caregivers.

· Identify strengths and help reframe negative self-perceptions into functional strengths.

· Support Youth to participate effectively in the Child and Family Team (CFT) process and meetings.

· Collaborate with staff Clinicians to learn and practice interventions and implement individualized strategies.

· Support social skill-building, emotional self-regulation strategies, and relational healing.

· Provide communication and emotional expression coaching to Youth and Caregivers.

· Support parents and caregivers to understand the function of Youth behaviors and practice new skills that address underlying needs.

· Implement strengths-based behavior plans with individualized and creative strategies, including supportive linkage to community and school when necessary.

· Assist family members in reconnecting with relatives, natural supports, or community resources to build belonging and sustainability.

· Contribute to the development of individualized, culturally respectful and relevant Family Care Plans by participating in CFT meetings and communications.

· Implement the Fear to Love approach to support Youth in managing emotions and regulating stress.

· Recognize and celebrate successes, no matter how small.

· Provide safe, positive, and engaging in-home support, including routines, play, chores, and skill-building activities.

· Report daily notes at the end of each visit and document significant events directly to the FCT and/or CFT.

· Act based on guidance and recommendations from the Plan of Care and Wraparound Facilitator.

· Engage and communicate effectively with agency employees, Youth and their families/legal guardians, and community partners.

· Assess and respond effectively to crisis situations, adhering to confidentiality, HIPAA, and risk management policies.

· Record mileage, reimbursements, and service notes accurately.

· Meet agency and Wraparound training requirements, including CPR-First Aid, crisis intervention, ICWA, cultural humility, and high fidelity Wraparound practices.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent (required).

· Experience in social services and knowledge of community resources (preferred).

· Bachelor’s degree in social work or related discipline (preferred).

· Experience in providing Wraparound services (preferred).

· Knowledge of behavioral support principles and Wraparound principles.

· Effective oral, written communication, and conflict resolution skills.

· Experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral health needs (preferred).

· Demonstrates cultural humility and respectfulness; understands issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and implicit bias.

· Knowledge of tribes, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and culturally rooted support systems (preferred).

· Proof of valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and valid/current auto insurance.

· Completion of California Mandated Reporter and Sexual Harassment Prevention trainings.

· Cleared criminal background check.

Essential Qualities

· Strong relationship-building and coaching skills.

· Effective in crisis situations; calm under pressure.

· Organized, dependable, and collaborative.

· Commitment to cultural respectfulness and relevance.

· Ability to engage people from different cultures, ages, and backgrounds.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Regular use of hands, arms, vision, hearing, and speech sufficient for all job duties.

· Ability to sit for extended periods and drive long distances.

· Manual dexterity and fine motor skills required.

· Reasonable accommodations will be made as outlined by law.

Compensation

This position is hourly, non-exempt with a pay range of $25 – 29 per hour.

Disclosure Statement

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to define the essential functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.