FaDSS Specialist (In Home Case Worker)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF FAMILIES? 

We have an opening for a Family Development Specialist to provide a comprehensive system of support that empowers and nurtures families towards self-sufficiency while building strong relationships.  

This full-time, year-round position will be based in 1 of our 8 counties the grant provides services in. The Family Development Specialist is required to meet with program participants in the participant’s home. Ideal candidate should be organized and proficient in the ability to interpret rules and regulations as they pertain to programs that are directed at low-income families. Proficiency with computer and web-based programs required. 

Prefer BA/BS in Social Work or related degree with 1 year working with low-resource families in their homes. We will accept a combination of related experience and education. Must obtain FDS Certification within 1 year of hire. 

Travel, valid driver's license, and auto liability insurance is required. Benefits include Health, dental and life insurance, paid holidays, vacation/sick pay, & IPERS. EOE AD#2508

EXPECTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the FaDSS Supervisor, this position has the responsibility for the implementation and delivery of FaDSS services within the eight counties in New Opportunities FaDSS Service area.    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.              Responsible for implementation and delivery through day-to-day operation of the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Program and other assignments including but not limited to the following:

a.     Provide a comprehensive system of support services which promote, empower, and nurture families toward self-sufficiency

b.    Establish trusting relationships with families to identify barriers to self-sufficiency, establish goals for independence from public assistance, facilitate use of resources and serve as a source of support

c.     Maintain a full caseload of 18-21 families per FaDSS Contract

d.    Maintain regular contact with all families as required in FaDSS standards.

e.     Assist with family driven goal planning and identifying action steps and strategies to support families with achieving their goals.

f.     Document all contacts with families and associated collaborators on IA FaDSS.

g.    Upload all necessary documents to IA FaDSS.

Maintain accurate and up to date records for all referrals (non-enrolled, enrolled, re-enrolled).Use agency assessment tools identifying families’ strengths and needs; utilizing these tools to determine appropriate levels of service to families and possible referrals if needed.

Treat all office information in a professional and confidential manner including keeping files put away when not in use, keeping file cabinets locked when out of the office. Follow confidentiality policy and procedures

h.    Maintain regular contact with any other New Opportunities programs and resource staff working with families in order to ensure non-duplication of efforts and collaborate to best meet the needs of the families.

i.      Generate records and reports necessary to document families’ activities as outlined in the FaDSS manual and standards.

j.      Attend community resource meetings and participate in collaborative activities that support the families

k.    Act as an advocate for families and assist families to access community resources, using releases when necessary.

l.      Apply casework principle and follow agency guidelines to assist families to achieve their highest potential

m.  Develop and maintain relationships with other public and private organizations and agencies appropriate to support the families’ growth

n.    Participate in monthly meetings with supervisor and department

o.    Review case files according to FaDSS standards.

p.    Complete and submit monthly reporting as assigned to assist the Supervisor in meeting all grant requirements listed in the FaDSS Contract

q.    Assist Supervisor in training new staff as well as educate internal and external agencies of FaDSS Program.

r.     Attend required trainings annually to maintain the FaDSS Program Standards

s.     Complete Family Development Specialist Certification within the first year of position and maintain certification.

t.      Assist with marketing/recruiting plan to meet program capacity set by the state. Includes but not limited to updating/distributing marketing materials, social media posts, community/agency presentations to educate counties served of service available to families.

u.    All other duties as apparent or assigned by the Development Director/FaDSS Supervisor

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES:

1.              Extensive knowledge of business.

2.              Excellent command of the English language.

3.              Knowledge of secretarial and office administrative procedures.

4.              Knowledge of use and operation of standard office equipment, include personal computer, facsimile machine, photocopying machine and telephone system.

5.              Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word-processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software.

6.              High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Exceptional poise, tact and diplomacy.

7.              Ability to gather and summarize data for reports.

8.              Develop solutions to various situational program problems.

9.              Attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials.

10.           Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.

11.           Ability to obtain and maintain a driver’s license, automobile and current valid insurance in order to travel to client homes, to training sessions, meetings, etc.

12.           Knowledge of Agency policies, practices and procedures.

13.           Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.

14.           Ability to educate staff of program.

15.           Ability to conduct effective presentations.

16.           Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

17.           Excellent time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines.

18.           Skill in Internet usage.

19.           Skill in using teaching materials, including televisions, computers, LCD Projector, etc.

20.           Ability to work with confidential information.

21.           Ability to work in a team-based environment.

22.           Ability to adapt to the organizations changing needs.

23.           Ability to pass a physical examination.

NOTE: A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential functions. All duties and responsibilities listed above are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform each duty or function proficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 1 year experience working in the health, human services or education field OR associate’s degree and two years of experience working in the health, human services. Case Management experience desirable. Family Development Specialist Training Certificate obtained within 1 year from the date of hire.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, policies and procedures manuals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups including clients, other employees and representatives of other organizations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Ability to conduct interviews with clients and to assess crisis situations. Ability to communicate in a non-threatening, non-judgmental manner.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in diverse situations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in verbal or written form and to deal with several variables.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This factor measures the surrounding or physical conditions under which a job must be done and the extent to which those conditions make the job disagreeable. Consider the presence and relative amount of exposure to dust, fuel, dirt, heat fumes, contaminants, cold, noise, vibration, wetness, etc.

Normal working conditions with the absence of disagreeable conditions

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Furthermore, this document does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.