Family Specialist

About Us:

Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a non‑profit organization located in Alberta since 1995. CTH provides a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of children, youth and families. Be a part of an innovative team that envisions a world where “every child is thriving within supportive family and community relationships”. Join in our mission to facilitate growth and belonging in communities of meaningful relationships and where our integrity is grounded in evidence‑based practice authentically informed by, and connected to, diverse cultural wisdom.

Together, we will journey with children and families to uncover strength, hope and healing, creating new possibilities for a brighter future.

CTH is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all; including different cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and sexual and gender diversities. We strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.

Company benefits include:

• Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance
• Extended Health & Dental Coverage
• Additional Health Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Days
• RRSP Matching
• Company Events
• Training and Professional Development

About the Position:

In this full‑time, the Family Specialist works as part of the Family Matters program, to support families in learning skills necessary for them to more effectively meet the needs of their family and life situation. Utilizing the principles of the Teaching‑Family Model, the Family Specialist assists families and individuals with problem solving, parenting skills, child development needs, budgeting, advocacy and other skills which increase the families’ ability to set attainable goals and create success.

The Family Specialist is also responsible for completing the required program reports and documentation and participating in meetings that are relevant to their role. On‑call responsibilities for the Family Matters Program are required as part of this position. Most of our clients are typically in the Calgary and Airdrie area, however there may be a need to travel to other areas such as Beiseker, Crossfield from time‑to‑time depending on the needs of the clients.

Please note that the following are non‑negotiable compliance requirements for all Closer to Home employees before an offer letter can be issued.

• Clean 3 Year Driver’s Abstract - apply here
• Proof of $2M Liability Auto Insurance Coverage
• Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within the last 6 months) - apply here
• Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months) - apply here
• Please refer to the Qualifications section for details.

Responsibilities:

• Provide in‑home support for identified families who are in crisis.
• Make unlimited family visits each week to improve overall family functioning in order to address child welfare concerns raised by Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority.
• In a variety of settings, support families in learning those skills necessary for them to more effectively meet the needs of their family and life situation.
• Provide ongoing support to families and individuals by assisting with problem solving, parenting skills, child developmental needs, budgeting, advocacy, and other relevant skills.
• Provide on‑call duties to the families as per the program on‑call rotation.
• Track and report on family progress and maintain family files and related paperwork.
• Maintain current knowledge of resources available to families and children in their community.
• Provide information regarding community resources and services for families in the community and actively support families in accessing relevant resources.
• Work in collaboration with community resources and service providers and advocate for families to facilitate timely access of resources.
• Consult and meet with Program Supervisor regularly.
• Maintain and adhere to all health and safety requirement and report all hazards and injuries to immediate supervisor.

Qualifications:

• A Diploma or Degree in a related field and/or previous experience working with vulnerable children and families is required
• Willing to work a flexible work week, including…