Families First Specialist

Summary

Provides direct in‑home services to families substantiated for child abuse and neglect, who have been referred by Children’s Protective Services workers and Foster Care workers from the Department of Human Services. Services are directed at keeping the family intact and preventing foster care placement of children.

• Provides intensive in‑home services for 2 client families at a time, providing 4–6 weeks of service, averaging 10 hours of face‑to‑face service per family per week.
• Writes Service Plans, Progress Reports, and a Termination Report every 14 days of service provision.
• Writes time sheets and case notes and completes other documentation on all cases.
• Expends Specific Assistance monies by use of an agency credit card and checkbook.
• Attends Families First of Michigan trainings and other agency trainings as required.
• Provides 24/7 emergency availability for the 2 client families on the worker’s own caseload.
• Works some non‑traditional hours (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Transports clients as needed.
• Teaches families parenting skills, coping skills, and skills for living.
• Collaborates with DHS referring workers and foster care workers.
• Functions as part of a Families First team in weekly meetings and other activities.
• Demonstrates and applies the Agency’s workplace values.
• Knowledgeable about and actively supports culturally competent, recovery‑based practices; person‑centered planning as a shared decision‑making process; and a trauma‑informed culture to aid individuals in their recovery process.
• Adheres to Agency and program philosophies, policies, and procedures to assure consistent and ethical professional standards and required service outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field from an accredited school is required.
• Experience working with families is highly preferred.
• Lived experience with behavioral health issues is desired.
• Education, training, and/or knowledge of the impact of trauma on individuals, children, and families is desired.

• Valid Michigan driver’s license and driving record that complies with agency policy.