Family Support Specialist - QPC

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to providehomes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve ourmission “to build a community of strong, healthy families who protectand nurture children” by providing a full range of behavioral health,early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment andsupport services for children, adults and families in the GreaterHartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years withnational distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity andinclusion practices, you can be sure you’re joining an organizationthat’s just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Quality Parenting Centers Specialist(s) QPC:

Responsible for provision of Quality Parenting Center family visits.Provide visitation services to families referred by DCF following theremoval of a child(ren) due to abuse or neglect. Will conduct weeklyfamily visits and work closely with the bio-family and resource family(substitute caregiver) when possible. May require occasionaltransportation assistance should a need arise. Services are providedin coordination with DCF and other community service providers. QPCFamily Support Specialists will utilize the Visit Coaching Model intheir family time visits. As part of Visit Coaching, the coach isactively involved in supporting the parents to demonstrate their bestparenting skills, utilizing a strength-based approach. A range ofcoaching approaches /interventions can be used based on the individualstrengths and needs of the parents including use of play, queuing,modeling, instruction, and rehearsal.

The Family Support Specialistis responsible for provision of casemanagement, support services, mental health services to children andfamilies, or community programs, in coordination with other agency andcommunity services and documentation of services as required byprogram policies and funding sources. Provides service in the office,home or host setting, to meet the unique needs of families served.

Provides direct services to children and their families which may include:

• Conducts comprehensive assessments and engagement
• Develops treatment plans and contracts for services
• Implements treatment plans, modifying it as appropriate during thecourse of treatment
• Discharge planning, which may include plans for follow uptreatment and connection to community services and programs
• Provides case management services
• Works with community groups in collaborative ventures
• Completes clinical documentation and reports, as well as any otherdocumentation and reports required by agency and program policiesand funding sources, accurately and timely.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with othercommunity agencies and organizations, in order to providecomprehensive and effective treatment services for clients (i.e.,schools, courts, hospitals, etc.).
• Works as a team member with other clinical and administrativestaff to respond to client and programmatic needs.
• Contributes to agency organizational life by participating inagency wide task forces, committees or problem solving teams as appropriate.
• Contributes to agency visibility and development of communitylinkages by representing The Village in community groups orcommittees, as assigned by supervisor.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Skills

EDUCATION

BA in social work, sociology, psychology or comparable human serviceprogram. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience canbe accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE

• 2-3 years’ experience in a comparable position in a human servicesagency preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to communicatecomfortably with children, parents, and school personnel.
• Organized and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to multi-task.
• Cultural competency to serve targeted populations.
• Experience working with inner-city children.
• Commitment to Results/Performance Based Accountability.
• May be required to maintain valid driver’s license and ability todrive or otherwise obtain transportation to provide servicesthroughout the service area.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet applications.Possess solid general computer skills. Familiarity with specificapplications used by The Village a plus.

Our benefits package supports your whole life withcomprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, andemployer matched retirement savings. We also invest in yourgrowth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program –NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment).