Community Care Specialist - The Family Visitation and Empowerment Program (FVEP) (5554)

About the role

The Community Care Specialist provides intensive interaction and support to youth and families in need of extra assistance on a one-to-one basis through recreational, educational, cultural and social activities. The position is responsible for assisting the team with supervising, counseling, teaching and supporting children, families and foster families as needed.

The Family Visitation and Empowerment Program (FVEP) is a trauma-informed reunification program dedicated to maintaining and strengthening family connections for children in foster care and other court-ordered placements. The program supports Schenectady County families throughout the reunification process by ensuring children have frequent, meaningful, and safe contact with their parents and other significant family members when appropriate.

The Community Care Specialist plays a critical role in helping families navigate the reunification process. Working directly with parents, children, foster families, and child welfare professionals, the Community Care Specialist facilitates and supervises family visitation, provides parent coaching and education, and supports families in developing the skills necessary to create safe and nurturing home environments. Through observation, mentoring, and feedback, the Community Care Specialist helps parents strengthen their understanding of child development, improve parental attunement, enhance bonding and attachment, and build confidence in their parenting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual treatment and supportive services to youth and families including but not limited to role modeling in the home and community, assistance with homework and/or participation in related education activities, and others as identified in the treatment plan.
• Participate in development of individual service plans.
• Conduct family team meetings with families to discuss on-going decision-making process etc.
• Function as an advocate on behalf of youth with community agencies and facilitate linkages of children and families to resources.
• Maintain regular communication with guardians, foster parents, and/or biological parents of youth.
• Assist with youth supervision and provide transportation to youth and families as needed.
• Collaborate with service providers including but not limited to DSS and Mental Health Clinic to ensure the best service delivery.
• Document status and progress made on all goals including but not limited to; educational, vocational, social/emotional, behavioral and personal matters.
• Completes all reports in timely manner.

Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma required; Associate's degree preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience working with youth and families, human services, social services, child welfare, or working in not for profit is preferred.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including various hours, nights, weekends.
• Must have a Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving history to the agency, and a reliable vehicle.
• Travel is required 60% of the time.
• County served: Schenectady County.
• Navigating City Public Transportation, may be required, dependent upon region.
• Ability to work with economically and culturally diverse population.

Skills

• Organizational and communication skills including attention to detail, oral and written communication skills.