Family Support Counselor - Kid First Program

The KID FIRST (Family Intervention Response & Support Team) Program is an in-home family preservation program focusing on assisting families in crisis. Serving more than 500 families annually for an average of 3-4 months, Family Support Counselors meet with each family on a weekly basis to teach parenting skills and provide case management and crisis intervention.

This is a full-time position responsible for providing in-home wrap around services to at risk families. The FSC makes the initial family assessment, case plan, and discharge report and all documentation required on his/her caseload. He/she also makes referrals to a variety of agencies for the family for follow-up services. The individual must be available 24/7 to the families served by the program. Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Make face to face contact with the family in the family's home at least once a week.
• Complete a family assessment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the family unit.
• Develop a family preservation plan (case plan) that describes the behavior a family must exhibit to keep the child safe from further harm and/or strengthen the family.
• Maintain detailed files, case log, and weekly progress reports on each assigned family.
• Assist assigned families in improving their relationships, as well as teaching parents how to provide better care, nutrition, hygiene, discipline, protection, instruction, and supervision.
• Help families discover and gain access to community resources which would assist them in meeting their needs, including food, housing, transportation, education, employment, respite care, etc.
• Provide any other additional reasonable services for the prevention of maltreatment and unnecessary foster care as may be needed in order to strengthen a family at risk.
• Provide 24 hour emergency on-call assistance for assigned families.
• Attend court hearings as required.

Skills / Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field; and at least one (1) year of experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience with domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and knowledge of the child welfare, child development, parenting and social services in Broward County is required.
• Perform individual and family needs assessments. In-home Direct Services, In-home parenting training, Crisis and Supportive Counseling.
• Provide referrals for services from collaborative partners. Document services and referrals.
• Must possess excellent organizational and case management skills. Must have the ability to intervene in family and crisis situations and be an advocate in dealing with ChildNet and legal systems.
• Must be fluent in English and have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals or technical procedures written in English; the ability to type reports and business correspondence in English; and the ability to effectively communicate in English.
• Candidate must be computer literate and have the ability to complete documents in Microsoft Word.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the families served in the program.
• Must have transportation and be willing to visit clients in their homes. Valid Florida Driver's License with full access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage (proof of insurance is required).