Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Specialist

Position: Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Specialist Comparable DFPS Position: Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Specialist Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt Reports to: Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Supervisor Company: Texans Together Location: Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized) Position Description: The Family Group Decision Making Specialist (FGDM) supports children, youth, families, caregivers, and stakeholders through the coordination and facilitation of Family Group Decision Making which includes Family Group Conferences, Permanency Conferences, and other family-centered planning meetings. The Specialist utilizes a hope-centered, strengths-based approach to engage families as partners in identifying goals, building pathways, strengthening natural supports, and developing plans that promote safety, permanency, well-being, and lifelong connections. This position works collaboratively with other Texans Together (TTG) staff, caregivers, legal partners, service providers, and community stakeholders to ensure families have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and develop plans that build on their strengths, culture, and support networks. The Specialist promotes family voice, youth engagement, and shared responsibility while helping families identify practical solutions and resources that support positive outcomes. Primary Responsibilities: Receives and manages referrals for Family Group Decision Making services in accordance with program requirements and timelinesContacts and engages children, youth, parents, relatives, caregivers, fictive kin, and other identified supports to participate in the FGDM processFacilitates Family Group Conferences, and other family-centered meetings designed to promote safety, permanency, well-being, and lifelong connectionsPrepares family members and stakeholders for participation by explaining the purpose of meetings, clarifying expectations, addressing concerns, and encouraging meaningful engagementPromotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all participants have an opportunity to share their perspectives and contribute to decision-makingAssists families in identifying strengths, resources, supports, and solutions that can help achieve desired outcomesEncourages youth voice and participation in planning processes whenever developmentally appropriateCollaborates with caseworkers, caregivers, providers, attorneys, schools, and community partners to support coordinated service delivery and family-driven planningIdentifies and connects families to community resources and supportive services that strengthen family capacity and address identified needsDocuments meetings, family plans, participant involvement, and service outcomes in accordance with agency and contractual requirementsMaintains accurate, timely, and complete records and enters required information into designated data systemsTracks meeting outcomes, identifies barriers impacting family success, and communicates concerns to the supervisor as appropriateAssists families and stakeholders in resolving conflicts and building consensus around child and family needsSupports efforts to strengthen family engagement, increase permanency connections, and improve outcomes for children and youthParticipates in staffing, training, quality improvement activities, and professional development opportunities Required Qualifications: Bachelors degree required. Relevant experience considered in lieu of education requirementMinimum two (2) years’ experience in child welfare, family preservation, foster care, permanency, behavioral health, family engagement, case management, or related human services field Preferred Qualifications: Experience facilitating meetings, working with families, and coordinating servicesExperience engaging diverse populations and community stakeholders Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suites and Information Management Protecting Adults and Children (IMPACT)Knowledge of Family Group Decision Making principles and family-centered practiceKnowledge of child welfare services, family systems, permanency planning, and community resourcesKnowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approachesWillingness to adopt the Science of Hope and its application to family engagement and child welfare practiceSkill in facilitating meetings and group discussions involving diverse participants and complex family dynamicsStrong verbal and written communication skillsStrong engagement, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skillsAbility to establish trust and maintain effective working relationships with families, youth, caregivers, staff, and community partnersAbility to gather and organize information and maintain accurate documentationAbility to manage multiple priorities while meeting required deadlinesAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment Work Conditions: Environment: Office-basedWork Schedule: Mon – Fri during standard business hoursTravel: Occasional DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace. DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation. Powered by JazzHR ScSeSzlvAb