Support Specialist - North County, Bilingual Preferred

Support Specialist

Family Care Network, Inc. (FCNI) is a mission-driven nonprofit serving children, youth, adults, and families across San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. Our team works collaboratively with local county and community-based agencies to provide compassionate, trauma-informed services; including evidence-based mental health treatment, case management, housing and homelessness support, and family-based interventions across Child Welfare, Behavioral Health, and Juvenile Justice systems of care—as well as support for individuals and families experiencing complex challenges who fall outside of these social services.

Our staff is at the heart of our mission. As a team-oriented group of passionate, dedicated professionals, we're committed to ensuring Hope, Stability, Support, and Empowerment to every individual entrusted into our care. Every day, we strive to help individuals overcome barriers, heal from trauma, and build the skills and relationships they need to thrive—not only strengthening individuals and families but our broader Central Coast community.

The Support Specialist will work collaboratively with clients, client families, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement personalized case plans and treatment plans, as well as implement behavior intervention plans in various settings, including homes, schools, and the community. The primary responsibility is to promote client well-being and independence by teaching coping skills, offering emotional support, encouragement, and practical life development. Working under the guidance and direction of the Social Worker/Therapist, the Support Specialist is an essential member of the treatment team and helps create a supportive and empowering environment for the client/family.

Location: Remote (see below for remote provisions)

• Employees living outside a 50-mile radius of the San Luis Obispo Main Office (SLO) will be assigned the nearest FCNI office for in-office workdays.
• Direct Service Employees are classified as Remote, as their primary worksite is considered their home. Employees are still required to attend all meetings, supervision and client meetings in-person.
• Includes one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) per week

Anticipated start date: January 20, 2025

COMPENSATION

• Pay Range:
• Support Specialist I: $22.00 - $33.00 per hour
• Support Specialist II (MHRS): $26.00 - $39.00 per hour
• Full Time, Non-Exempt classification per FLSA
• Spanish Bilingual differential - 10% increase on the employee's hourly base rate of pay
• Additional compensation for participating in after hours on-call
• Mileage reimbursement $0.725 cents per mile

BENEFITS

• Eligible to enroll into benefits on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. These are all high quality and comprehensive plans.
• FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent's premium on the primary plan offered-Cigna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
• FSA plans available
• 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases at the beginning of 4 years of service)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Support Specialist I: Associate degree required, Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred. Direct experience in a Behavioral Health or Social Services setting such as outpatient clinics, Behavioral Health facilities, and/or related community-based organizations.

Support Specialist II (MHRS): Associate degree required and six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment

• Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
• Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct behavioral support, utilize evidence-based interventions, transfer skills to client/families, and use strategies to reinforce new behaviors including modeling and prompting.
• Teach life skills including daily living activities, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and other life tasks, as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills.
• Engage clients in meaningful activities and social interactions to promote mental and emotional well-being, including providing transportation and/or accompanying clients as needed to access community resources and support services.
• Provide guidance and support in the utilization of coping strategies for managing crisis situations, including risk assessment and safety planning.
• Provide training and support to families, caregivers, and other stakeholders as they implement behavior management strategies and techniques.
• Reinforce team collaboration and support team members in identifying strengths and needs.
• Monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed to ensure that interventions are effective, and goals are being met.

Equal Employment Opportunity FCNI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, FCNI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.