Family Support Coordinator (FSC)

REPORTS TO:

Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) People Strategy Project Manager & Lead FSC

POSITION BACKGROUND:

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) has been funded by HUD to facilitate the revitalization of one of Birmingham’s most distressed neighborhoods. In its neighborhood revitalization efforts, the housing authority is implementing a strategy that will aid the residents of the 451-unit Smithfield Court Public Housing community in developing and implementing solutions for individual and family success. The Ascent Project (TAP) has been designated as the organization responsible for the development and implementation of the housing authority’s “People Strategy”. The goal of the HABD’s CNI People Strategy is to ensure that residents of Smithfield Court are supported in the successful achievement of life goals and wholistic wellness for each individual making up a family unit. Work of the TAP team is specifically centered around (i) basic motivation and life skills; (ii) educational enhancement and attainment; (iii) career readiness and entrance while progressing towards increased earning levels; (iv) services and resources that results in improved health and wellness; and (v) enhancing awareness of community and family responsibility in building healthy communities while honoring the rich history and traditions of the City of Birmingham.

In preparation for the impending revitalization of the impacted neighborhood and their re-occupancy of the newly revitalized community, impacted residents are provided by TAP with strength-based intensive case management services, which includes (1) comprehensive assessments; (2) Individualized Service Plans (ISP); (3) connections to services and resources; (4) ongoing monitoring and follow-up; (5) ongoing evaluation and recalibration; and (6) establishing relationships with community partners for the purposes of implementing innovative programs and services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provision and Maintaining of Healthy Living Environments

• Ensure that families are doing their part to maintain the health and safety of their living environments
• Ensure that living environments are routinely inspected and deemed appropriate for both the HABD and The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
• Proactively report potential or already existing housing concerns or problems to appropriate housing authority personnel for immediate resolution

Intensive Case Management

While FSCs have assigned office space, they meet residents where they are to identify barriers, problem solve, and introduce interventions. Resident’s homes, schools and other sites where they operate are the true workplace of the FSC.

• Perform strength-based case management functions including assessment, planning, linkage to services and resources, case monitoring and advocating for resident success
• Provide services within the resident’s home or natural environment according to the triage system or as often as possible, to facilitate relationship building, increase accessibility and ultimately individual and family success
• Review and monitor the provision of services and reassess the need for adjustments to the plan
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with community service providers to include but not limited to vocational and employment opportunities for abled bodied adults, youth and educational programs for children and youth, and services for senior and disabled residents
• Maintain client files and update routinely FSC’s case management efforts in the case management software system

Ongoing Life Counseling and Coaching

FSCs are coaches who will maintain consistent communication with residents which ensures each FSC, is informed as to the needs, issues, and concerns of each household member.

• Coach residents through the process of developing ISP and family goals for each household member
• Develop in tandem with the client an ISP which identifies the client’s goals, steps to achieving identified goals, and time frames for goal completion
• Respond to crisis situations and provide intervention strategies to minimize interference with client’s ISPs
• Guide residents through the process of problem solving with each household member
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and follow-up with each household member to ensure that all household members remain on track to success

A Connection to Quality Resources

FSCs provides residents with a seamless referral process designed to address/eliminate barriers while emphasizing communication, follow-up, and tracking to ensure the following:

• Identification of most appropriate services and resources
• Successful enrollment in and completion of needed programs and services
• Original barriers and concerns are eliminated and ensure that residents exercise the most appropriate coping skill when problems arise
• Ongoing supportive services (medical, transportation, childcare, etc.) are provided that gives each participant the best chance of being successful

The Promotion of the Belief in Human Potential

• Develop an understanding of and effectively communicate each household member’s strengths, abilities and role in ensuring family stability and long-term success
• Provide options for household members to contribute to the success of others in and around their community as desired and appropriate

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLSET:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other Social Science field preferred
• 2 years or more of relevant case management experience including completing intake, assessments and service plans. Able to manage day to day tasks related to intensive case management services
• Ensure service plan goals are being met or updated as needed
• Manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
• Must have the ability to work with and understand persons of all ethnic, religious and educational backgrounds
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of residents, staff and community members
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer knowledge, MS Word and Excel required; PowerPoint preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, housing authority employees, property management, city staff, program partners, key stakeholders, and the public
• Provide services with dignity and in a non-judgmental manner and work well independently as well as part of a team
• Must have a professional demeanor and image and be pleasant to work with on a team
• Work a flexible schedule, including some evenings; travel to the impacted community up to 75% of the time
• Possess vehicle, ability to drive, appropriate auto insurance coverage, a clean driving record, and a valid driver’s license.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,400.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person