Family Specialist FAS DDD - FT

RISE is an innovative human services network originally established in 1987. RISE believes that most individuals, no matter how unique their needs, are more successful when they are living in a family setting. We create opportunities for and with the people we serve, their families, and the professionals in the Human Services field. RISE Family Services specializes in finding and supporting loving and caring families for children and adults in need of foster and/or adoptive homes through various programs, including the Family Services Program.

About the role

We are recruiting a Family Specialist with experience working with Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) agencies. This position assists families in the foster/adoption licensing process for children with developmental disabilities, as well as the licensing of Adult Developmental Homes. The Family Specialist will support families caring for adults with developmental disabilities and will be based out of our Mesa, AZ office.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 15-20 foster families
• Serve as a Training Instructor on a rotational basis
• Attend monthly consultations with families, including court hearings, FCRBs, and CFTS
• Act as a liaison with DCS/DDD
• Participate in an Emergency Phone Rotation
• Advocate for and educate families, serving as a community resource and support
• Be flexible to meet the needs of families, including possible evenings or weekends
• Ensure Orientation programs are available to potential families, including accommodations for linguistic or other needs
• Provide objective information to inquiry callers about the licensing process
• Assist with scheduling and intake for potential developmental home families
• Become a certified trainer for Article 9 and other required ADH/CDH pre-service training within 120 days of hire
• Train or facilitate training for potential foster/adoptive families, including ongoing and advanced training, and in-home consultations
• Help families build a professional development plan identifying strengths and needs
• Assist new families through the initial licensing or certification process, ensuring compliance with all requirements and documents
• Complete objective home studies and maintain documentation in a standardized file format, adhering to agency and state confidentiality guidelines
• Utilize effective written communication skills for home studies, renewals, amendments, and all required documents within specified timeframes
• Submit required billing documents timely and review monthly billing for accuracy
• Participate in Behavior Treatment Plan research, writing, and submission to the DDD Program Review Committee
• Maintain professional support and relationships with assigned families while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and RISE policies
• Advocate for children and adults in RISE-licensed homes through contact with case managers, support coordinators, and representation at court hearings and meetings
• Actively seek placements for children and adults in homes that best serve their needs
• Provide mediation, intervention techniques, and training on the Child Welfare Act, MEPA-IEPA, and ICWA as necessary
• Ensure families have access to 24/7 crisis and emergency support through an Emergency cell phone rotation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, or a related field
• Experience in social services and behavioral science, with the ability to relate to families of varied lifestyles, backgrounds, and ethnicities
• Experience with cultural diversity, family assessments, knowledge of child abuse and neglect, child development, and familiarity with Arizona DCS and DDD programs
• Effective writing and excellent verbal communication skills
• Bilingual skills (verbal and written) in Spanish are a plus
• Reliable transportation to attend daily meetings outside of the office
• Valid Arizona driver’s license, minimum age of 21, and meet driver requirements specified by RISE Insurance Agency
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen test, and obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Passion for assisting families and children in the foster care system

Benefits

• Vacation and sick accruals
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability (STD, LTD)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution