Description

The Specialist provides guidance, services, and support to children and their families in a variety of environments according to individualized family plans. The Specialist is a temporary resource and service provider. In conjunction with the Child and Family Team (CFT), the Specialist seeks sustainable resources and services within families and communities. The Specialist works in an independent, professional capacity, directly with children and adults. Most guidance, services, and support is/are provided in the family’s home and a variety of other community settings. Supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of the agency.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of experience working with children or families with complex needs. Preferred education emphasis in human services, counseling, guidance, social work, etc. OR
• AA degree plus 2 years of experience working with children or families with complex needs. Preferred education emphasis in human services, counseling, guidance, social work, etc.

Essential Job Functions:

• Participates in the development of individualized family plans with members of the Child and Family Team
• Writes clear, accurate and timely progress notes consistent with each contact/visit
• Attends weekly staff meetings, supervision, and case management staff meetings as scheduled
• Accountable for independent time management
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with agency and community partners
• Utilizes resources to implement behavior interventions and strategies
• Forms positive, constructive relationships with children and their families
• Communicates effectively with all members of the Child and Family Team
• Maintains positive relationships with consumers and customers
• Identifies strengths, skills, and positive qualities in children and families
• Identifies temporary and sustainable resources and services within family and community environments
• Assists families with transitions from resources provided or funded by program to resources and services provided or funded by the family and community
• Performs tasks and services as assigned in individualized plans. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
  • Encouraging and engaging in tasks or activities that support, or “spark,” identified strengths, skills, and positive qualities in children and families
  • Supervising individuals and groups of children
  • Problem-solving with children and families, including outlining alternatives and predicting consequences while supporting children and families to make good choices for themselves. Teaching specified skills to children and families
  • Performing day-to-day tasks that support family functioning (including transportation, meal preparation, short-term supervision, reminder calls, and other tasks)
  • Modeling appropriate behavior to direct families toward identified goals
  • Participating in healthy group dynamics within various settings including family homes, schools, parks and recreation centers, and treatment facilities
  • Performing other tasks identified in individualized plans
• Follows all agency policies and procedures
• Follows all agency, state, and federal health and safety rules and regulations
• Adheres to all confidentiality requirements
• Seeks out clinical information and advice as needed, accepts constructive criticism and reasonable recommendations from supervisors 
• Mentors new Family Specialists
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the families
• Participates in the agency 24 hour on-call programs

Skills:

• Prepared to work independently with flexible hours that may include evenings, weekend and holidays
• Proven documentation skills and intermediate level computer skills including all MS Office programs
• Adhere to all confidentiality requirements
• Verbal and written ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, community partners, consumers and all levels of management
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects and assignments effectively
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment within department and agency wide
• Ability to work in a mobile, fast paced environment.
• Ability to use a laptop computer
• Fulfillment of TB test, background check clearance, and any other mandatory State/Federal requirements
• Valid California driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, can maintain a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier
• Must provide and operate a registered, properly insured automobile
• Bilingual preferred

Salary:

Hiring Range: $18.00 – $20.80 hourly

To apply, please fill out our online Employment Application.