What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Support Specialist position at Texas Family Care Network?
Position Summary
This position functions as an assistant to Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) case managers and case manager supervisors in providing human services to TFCN clients, including transportation and documentation of services provided. It may also include supervising visitations between parents and children, ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include safety, food, hygiene, education, and entertainment/recreational activities. Responsibilities of this role also involves various clerical functions. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule.
Responsibilities
Collaboration
- Successfully assists TFCN Case Managers in providing human services to TFCN clients; Works well interdepartmentally; Provides support and good customer service to clients, peers, DFPS staff, representatives from various organizations, and Texas Family Care Network/Pressley Ridge staff, and the general public.
Communication
- Ensures needs of parents and children are met while at their temporary placement.
- Observes and/or supervises visitations between parents and children.
- Responds to clients, supervisors, staff in a timely manner.
- Keeps caregivers and foster parents informed of developments.
- Makes certain the family is aware of how to access assistance outside of normal business hours.
Computer Literacy
- Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.).
- Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems.
- Adheres to Confidentiality Policy by understanding that all client information of Pressley Ridge/Texas Family Care Network is confidential and must not be disclosed during or after employment with consent of the legal client or legal requirement that the information be disclosed; Adapts method of working to accommodate changes in technological developments; Utilizes DFPS and TFCN systems responsibly and appropriately.
Complexity and Judgement
- Uses tools provided and training to determine the child and/or parent's needs and makes appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or other assessments.
- Researches solutions to technical or service-related issues and seeks guidance from mentors. Follows up with everyone concerned to inform them of the solution or to provide an update on how the problem is being addressed and handled.
- Attends and participates in all required trainings; Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date; Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings; Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth.
- Participates in on-call rotation and duties.
Creativity and Foresight
- Offers new ideas and/or ways to streamline processes to better serve communities and Texas Family Care Network overall.
- Is resourceful and embraces tactical creativity to overcome challenging tasks and difficult situations.
- Provides solution focused input, is positive, supportive, respectful and engaged with the team; Acknowledges and values the contribution of team members; Works well with staff in other departments.
Equity
- Works collaboratively with other systems (education, health and justice systems) to improve outcomes for the child/youth and family; Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them.
- Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Finance
- Exercises discretion and good business judgement with respect to expenses; Reports expenses, supported by required documentation, as they were actually spent; Adheres to deadlines for expense reports, submitting expense reports for approval in a timely manner.
Leadership
- Establishes and maintains appropriate rapport with all clients, families, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization.
Support Focus
- Provides transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by TFCN intake/placement specialist, case managers and/or case manager supervisor.
- Maintains out-going paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by TFCN intake/placement specialists, case managers and/or case management supervisors.
- Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties (i.e. typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, relaying messages, etc.).
Professionalism
- Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established by Texas Family Care Network (outlined in the Employee Handbook, pg.13); Dresses in attire that is appropriate for work, interacting with clients, attending work related meetings and events; Maintains composure and professionalism during stressful situations; Diffuses high tension situations; Able to accept and constructive criticism.
- Attends and actively participates in court hearings about the child and family; Contacts all parties in the case before the hearings; prepare court reports in a timely manner; testifies in court regarding the child's needs, the family's progress, and the efforts of Texas Family Care Network to achieve permanency for the child.
- Interacts with children, clients, families and communities in a way that reflects commitment from Texas Family Care Network to create and maintain a strong collaborative relationship.
Risk Management and Safety
- Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed.
- Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws.
- Able to work under pressure and provide a quick response when needed in a crisis situation; Stays objective and exemplifies empathy towards families living in stressful situations and with people who might have abused children.
Time Management
- Effectively uses work Outlook Calendar as instructed by supervisor/director to reflect daily and weekly tasks; Able to independently assess and prioritize tasks to manage time.
Qualifications
Education/Credentials/Licensure:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
Experience
- One year experience of working in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or DFPS or thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university.
Clearances
- State Police
- FBI
- Child Abuse Clearances
- CPSL Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training per state regulation.
Experience
Required- 1 year(s): Experience of working in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or with DFPS OR thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university.
Education
Required- High School or better
- Bachelors or better in Human Services or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
