School-Based Family Specialist

TITLE: SCHOOL BASED FAMILY SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY: The School-Based Family Services Specialist (SBFS) is 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.

REPORTS TO: The Executive Director of Elementary and/or Secondary Education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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 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 in collaboration 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. Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure family needs are continuously met.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or experience in social work, Human Services or related field Relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Experience in a school-based or educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge and Skills:
• • Strong understanding of OKDHS Child Welfare and Adult and Family Services Programs (TANF, 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 OKDHS policies. Ability to work within and navigate a variety of different online systems, platforms, and software.
• Personal Attributes:
• • Empathetic and Culturally Sensitive: Deep empathy and cultural sensitivity towards the diverse needs of families and children, fostering trust and understanding in all interactions.
  • Organized and Multitasking: Highly organized and excel at managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
  • Committed to Support: Deeply passionate to supporting at-risk children and families, and dedicated to improving their well-being, always prioritizing their needs and advocating for their best interests.
  • Proactive and Independent: Initiative taker and proactive in addressing challenges, comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will be required to regularly stand, sit, and walk for extended periods; estimated 70% sitting, 15% standing and 15% walking
• Must regularly lift/move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Flexible schedule, as needed, to accommodate before and after school meetings and activities on a regular basis
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, staff members, and students from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Collaborate with building administrators, parents and staff members to provide services and support to students and families.

• May experience constant interruptions, inflexible deadlines, and changes to normal routines.
• The ability to communicate with various groups of people is essential. This may include communication with parents, teachers, and administrators.
• The ability to effectively balance time and effectiveness in an office environment, a school environment, and a collaborative team environment constitutes a major portion of this job.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 237 day contract
• 1.753 salary ratio

STATUS: Classified Support

EVALUATION: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy of evaluation for certified personnel.