Family Support Specialist - Weekends

Family Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERTISE:

· Must be at least 21 years old; possess a valid Washington State driver’s license and have proof of automobile insurance that meets the statutorily required minimum amounts of coverage.

· Must have the ability to pass a Washington State criminal check and FBI fingerprinting if required.

· Must have a high school diploma or GED, preferred Associates Degree in Human Services or related field.

· Have one year of experience working with children and families.

· Have the skills and abilities to work successfully with challenging behaviors of children in care.

· Have a basic understanding of family systems and child development.

· Have effective written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.

· Possess the ability to work with diverse groups and populations.

· Possess the ability to make objective, visual assessments of home conditions and crisis situations and to communicate information appropriately.

· Possess knowledge of community resources for youth.

· Have the ability to interact as a team member.

· Must be proficient with basic computer software, such as Microsoft Office suite.

Essential Job Functions

Family Support Specialists shall:

• Build strong relationships by doing recreational activities with clients, meeting clients’ needs, being a positive role model, maintaining healthy boundaries, and responding appropriately to negative behavior from a trauma-informed standpoint.
• Plan activities based on clients’ treatment goals, interests and abilities, length of shift, allotted budget, and purpose of shift.

· Work towards goals from youth’s service plan as indicated by Case Manager on Family Support Specialist report when appropriate.

• Provide transportation for clients to and from appointments and/or activities.

· Provide enrichment activities in the community or in the foster home that supplement school work.

• Communicate effectively with foster parents/guardians and Case Managers about how time was spent (face-to-face communication, accurate written documentation, phone calls, and occasionally texts).
• Aim to work as consistently with clients as possible (i.e. work with one or two clients every week), as opposed to working sporadically with different clients.
• Complete and maintain documents such as Family Support Specialist Reports, Time Sheets, Safety/Supervision Plans, Job Expectations, etc.
• Follow all guidelines related to clients’ needs and safety and respond to all emergency situations as they arise. Must be flexible and able to adjust job assignments when the supervision needs of individual children warrant.
• Assist with foster parent support needs as assigned;
• Participate as a support to case manager/licensor as needed and in assuring that identified goals are addressed;
• Provide a positive role model for children and families in their home and community;
• Attend all staff meetings and other mandatory trainings as required by Synergy

PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. This position can include last minute shifts, as well as shifts during weekends and holidays.

2. Perform other duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO: EXECUTVIE DIRECTOR (or designated supervisor)

PURPOSE: To plan and help assure that the health, safety and permanency needs of the children served by Synergy are expediently addressed. To document and maintain client files according to Washington standards. To provide ongoing support to families served by Synergy.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Every weekend

Experience:

• working with children: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Mount Vernon, WA (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23