Family Wellness Field Specialist- McAllen TX

Nalu Federal, a subsidiary of the Kanaka Foundation, supports Native Hawaiians through a nationwide federal child and family safety initiative. We are seeking dependable, compassionate, and professional Family Wellness Field Specialists to conduct in-person wellness checks within their own communities.

About the role

This position involves conducting in-person visits at residential addresses to confirm the location and general well-being of children and young adults participating in a federally supported family services program. Field Specialists will engage respectfully with families, document observations, and report any concerns regarding safety or well-being. This is a non-law-enforcement role; employees will not arrest, detain, investigate, or provide legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled in-person visits to assigned residential addresses.
• Approach residences professionally, identify yourself, and explain the purpose of the visit.
• Confirm whether the assigned child or young adult currently resides at the address and can receive mail.
• Speak respectfully with the child or young adult and, when appropriate, parents, sponsors, guardians, or other responsible adults.
• Identify individuals residing in the household and document their relationship to the program participant.
• Observe and document the participant's general safety, living environment, and overall well-being.
• Identify and immediately report potential indicators of abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation, or trafficking.
• Verify school enrollment and attendance information for school-aged children when required.
• Collect and accurately document contact information, household details, and other required case information.
• Conduct follow-up visits when the participant cannot be located or additional information is needed.
• Maintain detailed, objective, and timely notes regarding each attempted or completed visit.
• Enter collected information into an approved case-management or government information system within established timeframes.
• Coordinate with supervisors, case-management personnel, interpreters, and designated program representatives.
• Use professional interpretation services or bilingual resources when communication assistance is required.
• Protect personally identifiable information and all sensitive case information.
• Immediately elevate urgent health or safety concerns through appropriate supervisory and emergency-reporting channels.
• Maintain assigned equipment, identification, mobile devices, records, and program materials.
• Complete required initial and annual training.
• Perform other related child and family wellness-support duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least two years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Social services
  • Child or family services
  • Community outreach
  • Case management
  • Behavioral health
  • Education
  • Healthcare support
  • Victim advocacy
  • Public safety
  • Residential or field-based human services
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout an assigned geographic area.
• Ability to work independently and manage a field-based schedule.
• Strong verbal communication, observation, interviewing, and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when encountering upset, uncooperative, or distressed individuals.
• Ability to use smartphones, tablets, mapping applications, email, and electronic case-management systems.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must successfully complete all required background investigations, fingerprinting, suitability reviews, and pre-employment screening.
• Must meet applicable federal residency and employment-eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, human services, education, or a related field.
• Experience conducting home visits, welfare checks, community outreach, or field investigations.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, families, or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of mandatory-reporting requirements and indicators of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or human trafficking.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in English and Spanish.
• Experience working on a federal, state, or local government program.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive communication practices.

Skills

• Compassion and respect for children and families
• Professional judgment
• Situational awareness
• Emotional maturity
• Objective observation and reporting
• Cultural sensitivity
• Conflict de-escalation
• Reliability and punctuality
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow established procedures
• Personal integrity and discretion

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in the field at private residences and surrounding communities.
• May encounter unfamiliar neighborhoods, animals, adverse weather, stairs, uneven terrain, and difficult driving conditions.
• Visits may require standing, walking, driving, and carrying a tablet or other lightweight equipment.
• Site visits are generally completed during daytime or early evening hours, no later than the program’s authorized local-time cutoff.
• Multiple attempts at the same residence may be required.
• Employees must never enter a residence when doing so would create a safety concern or violate program procedures.
• Employees must immediately withdraw from threatening situations and contact their supervisor or emergency services when appropriate.