Family Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt 

Reports to: Foster Care Manager

Service locations: South Bend, IN

Position summary: The Family Specialist supports children and families by applying foundational social work principles and evidence-based practices within Josiah White’s care model. Working under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Family Specialist collaborates with treatment teams to implement individualized service plans that promote family stability, child well-being, and permanency. This role provides education, mentoring, and skills training to families and youth in areas such as parenting, problem-solving, and independent living. The Family Specialist coordinates services with community providers, facilitates access to resources, and helps families build sustainable support systems.

Qualifications:

• An individual with strong convictions who is also in agreement with Josiah White’s mission statement, Statement of Faith, and Code of Conduct. 

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Must have a bachelor’s degree. 

• Meeting at least one of the following criteria is preferred:

  • Three years of supervised paid casework experience.

  • One year of supervised paid casework experience in a licensed child placing agency or with DCS.

  • One year of graduate training in a recognized school of social work. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license with no restrictions limiting the ability to perform job functions and proof of vehicle insurance.

Essential job functions:

• Implement case management interventions in alignment with treatment team plans, under the regular guidance of the program manager.

• Develop, monitor, and update individualized treatment plans for each assigned child and family, ensuring goals are pursued through community resources, therapeutic activities, and support services.

• Advocate for children and families by identifying service gaps, coordinating with community providers, and ensuring access to necessary supports.

• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation including treatment plans, progress reports, and case notes consistent with accreditation and DCS standards.
  Build and sustain supportive relationships with foster/resource families, providing guidance in therapeutic parenting practices and participation in relevant training.

• Facilitate permanency and self-sufficiency goals for children and youth through counseling, skill-building, and preparation for reunification, adoption, or independent living.

• Engage and support families of origin by providing parenting education, life skills training, and mentoring to strengthen family functioning and stability.

• Collaborate with treatment teams and community partners to assess needs, review progress, and communicate recommendations to placing agencies and the courts.

• Represent Josiah White’s at professional meetings and hearings, accurately conveying treatment team perspectives and recommendations.

• Participate in ongoing professional development through supervision, training, and performance feedback to enhance skills and service quality.

Work Schedule:  This position requires, on average, 40 hours or more per week. Normal work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Hours may extend outside of normal work hours based on client needs and schedules.  This position will require participation in an on-call rotation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The employee in this role will work in an office setting, client homes and/or community settings as appropriate for service delivery. Frequent local day-time travel is required. This position frequently requires the use of a personal vehicle for company business, and mileage is reimbursed in accordance with organizational policy. The employee must be able to successfully complete Mindset, our crisis and de-escalation curriculum and CPR/First Aid training, which requires the ability to get on the floor, on knees and back up.  

We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals–staff, children, and families–are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. Our ministry seeks to serve each child and family with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and grace.