Family Assistance Specialist

The Family Assistance Specialist provides critical support and resources to employees (sworn, professional staff members, retirees) and their families during significant life events or crises. This role involves assisting with funeral arrangements, coordinating counseling, and navigating benefit programs. The specialist operates within the Administrative Services Support Bureau and can contact all personnel without regard to the chain of command to efficiently accomplish the unit's objectives. The specialist will work closely with law enforcement officers, human resources, and external agencies to ensure comprehensive assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist families with funeral arrangements and coordinate the entire funeral process.
• Organize a motorcycle or departmental escort for the funerals of active employees, their immediate family members, and honorably retired former employees as directed by the Sheriff or designee.
• Suggest or arrange counseling services and coordinate with the HCSO Behavior Health Unit, Peer Support Team, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when necessary.
• Provide support to employees involved in officer-involved shootings or other traumatic events.
• Coordinate activities of volunteer chaplains serving employees.
• Assist in filing insurance, disability, and financial aid documents for injured officers or survivors of deceased employees.
• Provide support during catastrophic events such as fire, collision, or other incidents that displace employees or their immediate families.
• Maintain and update a directory of available resources and services for employees and their families.
• Identify and connect families with appropriate community resources, including counseling, financial assistance, and support groups.
• Work closely with law enforcement officers, human resources, and external agencies to provide coordinated support.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees and families seeking assistance.
• Ensure immediate supervisors contact the Family Assistance Unit when a death or serious incident involving an employee or their immediate family member occurs.
• Represents the Sheriff’s Office at events locally and nationally, including overnight travel.
• Will be on-call on a rotating basis.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope and responsibilities of the position.

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field. 
• Candidates should have at least three years of experience in crisis management, providing counseling and support services, coordinating benefit programs, and arranging funeral or memorial services.

• NOTE: Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may be considered.

• Understanding the unique challenges law enforcement officers and their families face and experience working within or alongside a law enforcement or public safety environment.
• Ability to quickly assess needs, identify appropriate resources, and provide practical solutions to support employees and their families.
• Ability to work overtime or after hours as needed and report to different locations within the department to respond to calls for assistance. 
• Ability to handle highly sensitive situations with the utmost discretion and empathy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competence to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels, families, and external agencies with the ability to advocate and articulate their needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Proficiency in computer skills for documentation and reporting purposes.
• Flexibility, resilience, and a non-judgmental attitude towards individuals with complex needs and histories. 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in reentry efforts.
• Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and emergent situations within the correctional environment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license (Texas upon hire) and a good driving record.

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Background in social work, counseling, or psychology, with experience in offering emotional support, grief counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention techniques, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches is desirable.
• Relevant certifications in crisis intervention, counseling, or social work. A degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field is often preferred.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel to various locations, including hospitals, homes, funeral homes, and other sites as needed to support families and coordinate services.
• During funerals, memorial services, and on-site crisis support, prolonged standing and walking may be required.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry materials, such as memorial service items, counseling resources, or office supplies, typically up to 20 pounds.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable driving to various locations within the community and potentially beyond.
• Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations with sensitivity and maintain composure while providing support to families during times of crisis.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position.  Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.     Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies and provide support to families at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

To Apply:

• Complete the online job application (including HCSO employment history and education) incomplete applications will delay the application process
• To be considered for this position application/transfers must be received by the closing date

Note:

• Submission of an application by an employee neither implies nor ensures the transfer will be granted
• Transfers will be decided based on the needs and the best interests of the HCSO
• Applicant submission of Job Application does not guarantee an interview

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.