Family Support Specialist

The Role

Provides in-home intervention to children and their families utilizing a cognitive-behavioral, solution focused model to help families adopt positive solutions to problems through the teaching of skills and behavioral techniques accessing community resources and support.

Intervention is provided to improve youth and family social, emotional, and behavioral well-being by using an accessible services delivery system that is flexible, culturally competent and responsive to the family.

Responsibilities

• Maintains expected level of direct contact with families per program requirements, and remains available to families 24/7, for crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and current service reports on families served including timely written case notes, treatment plans, family assessments and court reports as required and/or requested by DCFS, referral sources and One Family Illinois (OFI).
• Counsels and supports families in conjunction of the service plan; with constant review and adjustment as needed.
• Conducts audits of client files at least quarterly.
• Provides training and support groups on various topics, as needed, based on community and client trends, requests from organizations, and collaboration with other programs.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community service providers and resources, such as medical staff and clinics, public welfare personnel, lawyers, therapists, law enforcement staff, school officials, neighbors, religious and youth organization representatives, etc.; utilizing referral sources as necessary.
• Collaborates with families and community agencies for the maximum utilization of available resources to address the service goals of the cases assigned.
• Prepares and submits reports and/or recommendations to the direct supervision concerning case load status, budget requests, and changes in service plans, and any unusual incidents that occur in the operation of the program.
• Performs on-call duties as needed to carry out the Responsibilities As Required.
• Communicates problems and issues within the department to the In Home Family Coordinator or Director.

Qualifications

Must be able to function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with children and families, staff, and support agencies.

Completes all mandatory agency and job specific training.

Represents the agency in a professional manner to the public and guests.

Complies with all agency policies, state, federal, and local laws.