Family Support Specialist

Description

Hearts With A Mission has a great opportunity for a full-time Family Support Specialist.

Hearts With A Mission serves at-risk youth and families, by providing shelter, educational support, counseling, family reunification, transition planning, and elder companion care all with a faith-based approach.

Join our team and make a difference in our community!

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides direct services to clients and their families participating in across any HWAM programs, with a focus on strengthening family functioning, improving client outcomes, and promoting positive parent–child relationships. The FSS may support clients across all HWAM programs:
Youth Shelter, Safe Families For Children, Transitional Living Program, Hearts For Seniors and Independent Living Program. This role includes individual and group counseling with youth, parent engagement, parenting classes, family counseling, and mediation. The FSS works collaboratively with program staff, volunteers, community partners, and caregivers to deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed support services. Performs assignments with supervision or independently, requiring initiative and judgment in the conduct of work.

All work is performed in compliance with organizational guidelines and policies, as well as all applicable laws.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This is not a remote position and requires work to be completed on-site.

Schedule subject to change based on agency needs

The Family Support Specialist reports directly to the SFFC/HFS/Marketing & Development Director. This is not a supervisory position. This position has an introductory period of three (3) months.

The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this position. The organization may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion.

Counseling and Support Services

• Provide individual and group counseling to youth enrolled in agency programs.
• Provide counseling and support to seniors actively enrolled in Hearts For Seniors program.
• Support client in developing social, emotional, behavioral, and coping skills.
• Facilitate weekly skill-building groups focused on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Monitor client progress and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with agency and funding requirements.

Family & Parent Engagement

• Engage parents and caregivers as active partners in services and programming.
• Conduct outreach to families to build trust, encourage participation, and reduce barriers to engagement.
• Provide parenting skills training, workshops, and educational groups focused on positive discipline, communication, and family strengthening.

Family Counseling & Mediation

• Provide family counseling to improve communication, address conflict, and strengthen relationships.
• Facilitate family meetings and mediation sessions to resolve disputes and support collaborative problem-solving.
• Support families in developing and implementing action plans aligned with youth and family goals.

Collaboration & Case Support

• Collaborate with volunteers, case managers, counselors, and other agency staff to coordinate services.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision.
• Make referrals to internal and community resources as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records, including assessments, service notes, and progress reports.
• Comply with agency policies, ethical standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

Must demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, honesty, and transparency while always upholding the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Ability to engage and motivate clients and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity.
• Effective problem-solving and crisis-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population across all spectrums
• Experience in the use of computers, word processing, database, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of personal initiative and be able to work unsupervised
• Knowledge and application of stress management and wellness practices
• Must be flexible and adapt to changes in the work environment, shifting priorities on short notice.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment DHS Child Welfare background check.
• Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and proof of valid auto insurance.
• Demonstrate dependability, reliability, and accountability to include punctuality and attendance.

Work is…