School Based Family Specialist (Elementary PreK - 5th)

2025-2026 Position 

Title: Elementary School-Based Family Specialist

Site:   TBD- Elementary Site or Administrative Offices

Status:    Exempt/Non-Exempt (depends on applicant (certified or non-certified))

Supervisor:   Asst. Supt. Carrie Schlehuber and Elementary Site Principals

Contractual Days/Hours:         200 days/7 hours daily

Travel:    Will require some travel (in-state)/travel stipend or per diem will be given

Salary:    $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 (plus benefits)

Evaluation:   TBD- as set forth by the Department of Human Services Grant Requirements

Job Description Summary:

The ideal candidate for the School-Based Family Services Specialist (SBFS) position is a compassionate and knowledgeable professional with a background in social work. They possess the ability to navigate complex systems, provide critical support to students and families, and act as a vital link between the school and community resources. Their role is pivotal in ensuring the safety, well-being, and academic success of the students they serve. 

Role/Position Overview:

School-based family Services (SPFS) are responsible for linking families and children with helpful services, providing support, and fostering a collaborative environment between the school, families, and Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS). The role requires strong problem-solving skills, extensive knowledge of Social Services, and the ability to work independently. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

-Bachelor's degree or experience in social work, Human Services or related field

-Relevant Experience in social work, particularly with children and families

-Possess a working vehicle 

-Pass an OSBI background check

-Experience in a school based or educational setting preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of OKDHS Child Welfare and Adult and Family Services Programs (TNF, SNAP, Child Care, Medicaid).
• Ability to assess and address the needs of students and families.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in stressful situations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of confidentiality laws related to children's issues and OKSDHS policies.
• Ability to work within and navigate a variety of different online systems, platforms, and software. 

Responsibilities

• The school-based family specialist or coordinator is a trained service specialist with the support of an experienced DHS Program Field Representative
• Will be responsible for working onsite at the school
• His/her office hours will be determined by the school as he/she will be a school employee
• He/she will work with limited supervision from the DHS Liaison and have the ability to make decisions based on DHS program knowledge
• Will have the ability to identify and assess the needs of students referred and connect them to school, community or interagency services as needed
• May be asked to provide some social-emotional support to students
• Will assist school personnel in how to identify allegations of abuse or neglect through consultation and training
• The SBFS will ensure that all required referrals are made
• The SBFS will act as a liaison, in conjunction with the DHS Liaison, to CWS and the school if requested
• Will be required to make home visits or transport children as needed; therefore, the availability of transportation is a must
• The SBFS will go to the homes of those children identified by the school and SBFS for a variety of needs
• The individual must possess the ability to problem solve for solutions in stressful situations to provide social work support for children, families, and school personnel
• Will assist in developing community resources to meet the needs of families and children within the school system
• The SBFS will have the ability to convene community support groups to aid in filling gaps in community resources that are needed to help the children and their families within the school system
• Will work with the schools in developing specialized programs (such as tutoring services, truancy, or specific counseling services)

Key Responsibilities:

Service Coordination and Delivery:

• Work onsite at the school, maintaining designated office hours.
• Identify and assess the needs of students, connecting them with school, community, or interagency services.
• Provide social-emotional support to students as needed. 
• Make home visits and transport children when required.
• Assist families with applications for services such as (TANF, SNAP, Child Care, and Medicaid). 

Support and Advocacy:

• Act as a liaison among OKDHS, schools, families, and community partners.
• Empowering and strengthening families through the provision of information, education, resources, and options. 
• Support school staff and collaborate on referrals for allegations of abuse or neglect.
• Facilitate communication and cooperation among school personnel, families, and OKDHS.

Community Resource Development:

• Develop and convene community support groups.
• Assist in creating specialized programs within schools (e.g. tutoring, attendance support, family engagement).
• Build connections with community partners and coordinate resources to fill gaps in services. 

Confidentiality and Accountability:

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Attend all required trainings and stay updated on relevant OKDHS and educational policies
• Maintain open communication with OKDHS partners.

Event Participation and Connection:

• Participate in school and community events to provide information about available services and build connections with community partners. 
• Assist families with referrals to health-related services and other state benefits.
• Profive ongoing support and follow-up to ensure family needs are continuously met. 

The school-based family specialist or coordinator is a trained service specialist with the support of an experienced DHS Program Field Representative. The job duties will vary; however, there will be the following expectations:
The SBFS:
1. The employee will be responsible for working onsite at the school. As a school employee, the school will determine his/her office hours. The employee will work with limited supervision from the DHS Liaison and will be able to make decisions based on DHS program knowledge.
2. Will have the ability to identify and assess the needs of students referred and connect them to school, community or interagency services as needed. May be asked to provide some social-emotional support to students.
3. Through consultation and training, the SBFS will assist school personnel in identifying allegations of abuse or neglect. The SBFS will ensure that all required referrals are made. If requested, the SBFS will act as a liaison between SSPS and the school in conjunction with the DHS Liaison.
4. Will be required to make home visits or transport children as needed; therefore, the availability of transportation is a must. The SBFS will go to the homes of those children identified by the school and SBFS for a variety of needs. The individual must possess the ability to problem solve for solutions in stressful situations to provide social work support for children, families, and school personnel.
5. SBFS will assist in developing community resources to meet the needs of families and children within the school system. The SBFS will be able to convene community support groups to help fill gaps in community resources needed to help the children and their families within the school system.
6. Will have a clear understanding of DHS Adult and Family Services Programs. He/she must be able to identify children who may need assistance and provide support in the process of applying for services, explaining programs, and educating the families of the students, school personnel, and community groups.
7. Will work with the schools in developing specialized programs (such as tutoring services, truancy, or specific counseling services).
8. Will maintain confidentiality. The SBFS must have a good understanding of the Confidentiality Law as it relates to children's issues, DHS, and the confidential restraints that exist at the educational facility. The SBFS will attend all required DHS and school trainings annually.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

- Knowledge and application of Sand Springs Public Schools District and departmental policies and procedures

- Knowledge and application of appropriate teaching strategies and methods

- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public, and others having business with the school district

- Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications and equipment

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

- Must pass an initial fingerprint and background clearance check and maintain a valid fingerprint clearance card in the classroom.

- May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

- May be required to work outside regular working hours.

DISCLAIMER: Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform Page 3 of 3 each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sand Springs Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000