What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wraparound Specialist position at Vista Maria?
Job Description
In accordance with the Agency’s mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of
Michigan licensing and COA standards; the WA Specialist is responsible for providing direct Wraparound services
and case management services to assigned clients. The Wraparound Manager is responsible for developing and
coordinating strength based, family centered teams to meet the individualized needs of children and families in
accordance with the Wraparound Model. Will provide services such as assessment, service planning, and advocacy,
linking, coordinating, and teaching life skills, to assist families in attaining an independent and self-sufficient lifestyle.
All services are to adhere to the fidelity of the Wraparound Model, with a strong emphasis on culturally competent
service delivery and practice.
TASKS OF THE POSITION
Implements and monitors quality individual, group, and/or family counseling according to specific treatment plans.
Serves as a liaison and client advocate with the court, funding, referring/referral agencies and schools.
Completes all required paperwork, (e.g. updated assessments, plans of care, case notes, transition plans,
outcome reports, enrollment paperwork and surveys).
Provides face-to-face contact when possible with assigned clients, per contract guidance regulations.
Schedules, organizes and facilitates recurring Family Team Meetings.
Maintains a flexible work schedule that provides accessibility that supports the needs of the family.
Provides education and support, regarding needs of families.
Develops and revises strategies and diverse treatment plans for assigned families according to each family’s
individual needs.
Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts.
Stays informed of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training
opportunities to ensure continual professional development and competence.
Plans and organizes work to meet all requirements according to agency and COA standards, licensing and
funding requirements.
Prepares for and participates in individual supervision, team meetings, and other agency meetings.
Works with Vista Maria programs and community agencies/resources to provide referrals, resources and related
services to clients.
Maintain a caseload of 10 – 12 families.
WA Specialist will have frequent contact with the child and family and/or members of the Child and Family Team
regarding the implementation of the Wraparound Plan.
The WA Specialist must assemble a Child and Family Team within 30 days of enrollment by interviewing the
family, identifying family members/natural supports/agency representatives and other significant persons.
The WA Specialist convenes the Child and Family Team and guides its members throughout the Wraparound
process; ensuring adherence to the model fidelity and Wraparound Values.
The WA Specialist will assist each child, youth and family in defining the frequency of Family Team Meetings
should occur at least bi-weekly until the family begins to transition towards program completion. Once the
Transition Plan is developed, the meetings should then occur at least monthly for no longer than 3 months.
Vista Maria Position Description – WA Specialist
12/15/2020
Page 2
Position Description
The WA Specialist must work with the family to uncover youths/family’s strengths and needs, provide assistance
with any immediate needs, and complete the initial strengths assessment, needs, and priorities within (30) days
of enrollment.
The WA Specialist must work with the youth and family to create a proactive and reactive Crisis/Safety Plan
within 72 hours of learning of a potential crisis. The plan must reflect the best possible fit with strengths, culture,
families and beliefs of the family.
The WA Specialist must work with the Child and Family Team to employ an individualized Plan of Care (POC)
with services and resources that are community based and culturally relevant within 90 days of enrollment.
Updated Plans of Care must be created whenever the team identified needful changes that would aid progress to
reaching desired outcomes.
The WA Specialist ensures the needs and services identified by the Child and Family Team are met.
The WA Specialist ensures community resources are sought first with the assistance of the Child and Family
Team and the Community Team.
The WA Specialist collaborates with other necessary individuals the youth and family has contact with, such as,
DHHS/CMO Workers, Teachers, Judges, District Attorneys, Mental Health Clinicians, Physicians, etc. This
means that the WA Specialists maintain frequent contact, invites them to Child and Family Team meetings with
adequate notice and provides copies of the Plan of Care within 1 week of completion to team members.
The WA Specialist ensures all barriers related to Plan implementation are addressed.
To facilitate the necessary referrals, information and cooperation with collateral resources to ensure quality care
and service delivery.
Monitor the provision and quality of services provided to the family and is the liaison when new
services/resources need to be sought or developed.
Complete all the necessary paperwork in a strength-based manner per Wraparound /Agency requirements.
Develop/maintain liaison relationships with various community agencies, groups/ volunteers and key
stakeholders.
Assist in advocacy for the development and provision of appropriate community resources and services for the
client/family.
Facilitate alternative placement of a client when/if necessary.
Participate in, contribute to staff case reviews, and staff training in collaboration with mental health therapist when
appropriate.
Cooperate in any investigation related to personnel, licensing, accreditation or other circumstances.
Responsible for working with team members, supervisor, child, families and community contacts in a manner that
is conducive to the philosophy and mission of the program and agency.
Attend mandatory agency meetings and trainings. Must participate in a minimum of 32 hours of child/adolescent
and family specific training annually.
Provides or secures support and crisis/emergency services for the youth/family. This may be done through faceto-face contact or phone contact.
Must be able to prepare for and testify in court.
Will provide transportation for appointments, crisis/respite services, etc. for clients, when necessary.
Engage families and stakeholders in the Wraparound Process.
Performs all other duties as required or requested by the agency.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (continued)
Demonstrated skills in organization, priority/time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of the Wraparound Process and service administration.
Vista Maria Position Description – WA Specialist
12/15/2020
Page 3
Position Description
Ability to observe, recognize, analyze, and report on individual’s behavioral, attitudinal, emotional, and social
problems, and the ability to develop a plan of action for resolution.
Ability to evaluate program quality and effectiveness as they relate to an individual’s or a group’s needs,
recommending modifications when appropriate.
Ability to work independently in the field and to use team resources/supervision to enhance performance.
Ability to assess client mental health symptoms and service needs.
Ability to be flexible in prioritizing in a changing system.
Demonstrated personal integrity and professional demeanor in accordance with the ethics of the agency and
profession.
Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills to compose and/or edit written materials.
Knowledge of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training
opportunities to ensure continual professional competence.
Ability to work cooperatively and in collaboration to establish rapport with Vista Maria staff and representatives of
other agencies, planning family and schools.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This job has no supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION / TRAINING)
Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from an
accredited school.
Two years of experience working with children and families.
Work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
State registration or licensure as required by licensing for funding.
A valid Michigan driver’s license without relevant restrictions.
Preferred:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from and
accredited school, and some knowledge of mental issues, treatment concepts and experiences in their
implementation with children and/or families.
1-2 years same or similar experience (i.e. Independent Living Youth)
1-2 years of case management experience.
Working knowledge of diagnostic criteria and coding. (CANS, FANS)
Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) trained.
Company Description
We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.
We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.
In accordance with the Agency’s mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of
Michigan licensing and COA standards; the WA Specialist is responsible for providing direct Wraparound services
and case management services to assigned clients. The Wraparound Manager is responsible for developing and
coordinating strength based, family centered teams to meet the individualized needs of children and families in
accordance with the Wraparound Model. Will provide services such as assessment, service planning, and advocacy,
linking, coordinating, and teaching life skills, to assist families in attaining an independent and self-sufficient lifestyle.
All services are to adhere to the fidelity of the Wraparound Model, with a strong emphasis on culturally competent
service delivery and practice.
TASKS OF THE POSITION
Implements and monitors quality individual, group, and/or family counseling according to specific treatment plans.
Serves as a liaison and client advocate with the court, funding, referring/referral agencies and schools.
Completes all required paperwork, (e.g. updated assessments, plans of care, case notes, transition plans,
outcome reports, enrollment paperwork and surveys).
Provides face-to-face contact when possible with assigned clients, per contract guidance regulations.
Schedules, organizes and facilitates recurring Family Team Meetings.
Maintains a flexible work schedule that provides accessibility that supports the needs of the family.
Provides education and support, regarding needs of families.
Develops and revises strategies and diverse treatment plans for assigned families according to each family’s
individual needs.
Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts.
Stays informed of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training
opportunities to ensure continual professional development and competence.
Plans and organizes work to meet all requirements according to agency and COA standards, licensing and
funding requirements.
Prepares for and participates in individual supervision, team meetings, and other agency meetings.
Works with Vista Maria programs and community agencies/resources to provide referrals, resources and related
services to clients.
Maintain a caseload of 10 – 12 families.
WA Specialist will have frequent contact with the child and family and/or members of the Child and Family Team
regarding the implementation of the Wraparound Plan.
The WA Specialist must assemble a Child and Family Team within 30 days of enrollment by interviewing the
family, identifying family members/natural supports/agency representatives and other significant persons.
The WA Specialist convenes the Child and Family Team and guides its members throughout the Wraparound
process; ensuring adherence to the model fidelity and Wraparound Values.
The WA Specialist will assist each child, youth and family in defining the frequency of Family Team Meetings
should occur at least bi-weekly until the family begins to transition towards program completion. Once the
Transition Plan is developed, the meetings should then occur at least monthly for no longer than 3 months.
Vista Maria Position Description – WA Specialist
12/15/2020
Page 2
Position Description
The WA Specialist must work with the family to uncover youths/family’s strengths and needs, provide assistance
with any immediate needs, and complete the initial strengths assessment, needs, and priorities within (30) days
of enrollment.
The WA Specialist must work with the youth and family to create a proactive and reactive Crisis/Safety Plan
within 72 hours of learning of a potential crisis. The plan must reflect the best possible fit with strengths, culture,
families and beliefs of the family.
The WA Specialist must work with the Child and Family Team to employ an individualized Plan of Care (POC)
with services and resources that are community based and culturally relevant within 90 days of enrollment.
Updated Plans of Care must be created whenever the team identified needful changes that would aid progress to
reaching desired outcomes.
The WA Specialist ensures the needs and services identified by the Child and Family Team are met.
The WA Specialist ensures community resources are sought first with the assistance of the Child and Family
Team and the Community Team.
The WA Specialist collaborates with other necessary individuals the youth and family has contact with, such as,
DHHS/CMO Workers, Teachers, Judges, District Attorneys, Mental Health Clinicians, Physicians, etc. This
means that the WA Specialists maintain frequent contact, invites them to Child and Family Team meetings with
adequate notice and provides copies of the Plan of Care within 1 week of completion to team members.
The WA Specialist ensures all barriers related to Plan implementation are addressed.
To facilitate the necessary referrals, information and cooperation with collateral resources to ensure quality care
and service delivery.
Monitor the provision and quality of services provided to the family and is the liaison when new
services/resources need to be sought or developed.
Complete all the necessary paperwork in a strength-based manner per Wraparound /Agency requirements.
Develop/maintain liaison relationships with various community agencies, groups/ volunteers and key
stakeholders.
Assist in advocacy for the development and provision of appropriate community resources and services for the
client/family.
Facilitate alternative placement of a client when/if necessary.
Participate in, contribute to staff case reviews, and staff training in collaboration with mental health therapist when
appropriate.
Cooperate in any investigation related to personnel, licensing, accreditation or other circumstances.
Responsible for working with team members, supervisor, child, families and community contacts in a manner that
is conducive to the philosophy and mission of the program and agency.
Attend mandatory agency meetings and trainings. Must participate in a minimum of 32 hours of child/adolescent
and family specific training annually.
Provides or secures support and crisis/emergency services for the youth/family. This may be done through faceto-face contact or phone contact.
Must be able to prepare for and testify in court.
Will provide transportation for appointments, crisis/respite services, etc. for clients, when necessary.
Engage families and stakeholders in the Wraparound Process.
Performs all other duties as required or requested by the agency.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (continued)
Demonstrated skills in organization, priority/time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of the Wraparound Process and service administration.
Vista Maria Position Description – WA Specialist
12/15/2020
Page 3
Position Description
Ability to observe, recognize, analyze, and report on individual’s behavioral, attitudinal, emotional, and social
problems, and the ability to develop a plan of action for resolution.
Ability to evaluate program quality and effectiveness as they relate to an individual’s or a group’s needs,
recommending modifications when appropriate.
Ability to work independently in the field and to use team resources/supervision to enhance performance.
Ability to assess client mental health symptoms and service needs.
Ability to be flexible in prioritizing in a changing system.
Demonstrated personal integrity and professional demeanor in accordance with the ethics of the agency and
profession.
Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills to compose and/or edit written materials.
Knowledge of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training
opportunities to ensure continual professional competence.
Ability to work cooperatively and in collaboration to establish rapport with Vista Maria staff and representatives of
other agencies, planning family and schools.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This job has no supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION / TRAINING)
Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from an
accredited school.
Two years of experience working with children and families.
Work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
State registration or licensure as required by licensing for funding.
A valid Michigan driver’s license without relevant restrictions.
Preferred:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from and
accredited school, and some knowledge of mental issues, treatment concepts and experiences in their
implementation with children and/or families.
1-2 years same or similar experience (i.e. Independent Living Youth)
1-2 years of case management experience.
Working knowledge of diagnostic criteria and coding. (CANS, FANS)
Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) trained.
Company Description
We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.
We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.
