Family Support Specialist

About the role

Join our team and make a difference in your community as a Family Support Specialist with the Child Protective Services unit within the Human Services Department. We are looking for someone who has the dedication & compassion to provide support, information, and guidance to families. The purpose of the Family Support Specialist is to give trauma-informed support services for families receiving Child Protection Services (CPS), including but not limited to supervised visitation, mentoring, transportation, and education.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and prioritize requests for service.
• Supervise visitations between parents and their children in settings such as family homes, community settings and the office to monitor safety of the children during visitation.
• Provides supportive coaching and feedback to family members to enhance the quality of the contact.
• Manage crisis and/or chaotic situations during family interaction.
• Assist in developing and implementing Family Interaction Plans.
• Provide client transportation.
• Conduct unannounced home visits to assist in monitoring in-home safety plans.
• Testify in court when appropriate/necessary, make recommendations regarding client's needs and risks.
• Evaluate client requests and obtain information for eligibility and then distributes intake information to appropriate units within the Sauk County Department of Human Services.
• Complete supplemental documentation needed for the clients' services received, including applications, forms, memos, and letters.
• Maintain knowledge of the current Human Services Department and community programs and services.
• Assist CPS families in sustaining and/or obtaining housing and employment.
• Provide and teach strength-based parent education, life skills, establish and educate CPS families about budgets, discipline, age-appropriate parenting, and expectations.
• Provide guidance and supervision for families including children as directed by the supervisor or designee in his/her absence.
• Advocate for family for needed benefits and services, provide guidance regarding services and referrals.
• Act as a liaison between the Sauk County Human Services Department and the surrounding communities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate case documentation.
• Participate in ongoing training and development.
• Complete WiSACWIS enrollment and training.
• Participate in statewide advisory committees.
• Assist in placing children in an alternate care setting.
• Knowledge of appropriate car seat requirements and ensure safety of each seat.
• Update resource information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Direct client service experience