Family Preservation Specialist

Job Purpose

Our next Family Preservation Specialist will use evidence‑based assessments and services to improve family functioning for clients in Wellpoint Care Network’s in‑home and ongoing child welfare programs. The specialist consistently delivers high‑quality direct services, including support, guidance, visit coaching, mentoring, and education offered to parents who are receiving supervised family interaction sessions, parenting skill‑building interventions, basic home‑management, and life‑skills services.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/Social Work or related field required.
• Experience in child welfare settings and in‑home work preferred.
• At least three years’ work experience in child welfare or social service setting.
• Ability to lift and carry young children and car seats.
• Proficient in the usage of computer software; demonstrate an understanding of computer file systems and computer software packages, e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, ADP, etc.
• Must be honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines; self‑motivated and able to work independently.
• Physical exam, drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background checks are required for this position.
• A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or occupational driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance is required.
• Personal vehicle must be available for daily use.
• Vehicle must be able to accommodate at least two children in car seats.

• Utilizes assessment information to establish relevant, strengths‑oriented family goals that are in line with primary goals of child safety and improved family functioning. Ensures that progress toward family goals is documented, at minimum, monthly.
• Delivers high‑quality direct services including support, guidance, visit coaching, mentoring, and education offered to parents who are receiving supervised family interaction sessions, parenting skill building assistance, basic home management, and life skills services; examples of these services include but are not limited to crisis management during family interaction sessions, mediation and negotiation between family members, and basic parenting education and intervention.
• Facilitates families’ connections to necessary community services as additional needs arise or that are identified as a risk in the assessment process.
• Provides updates on family progress to all relevant staffing or planning meetings (i.e., permanency staffing, 45‑day staffing, family team meetings, etc.).
• Facilitates ongoing conversations with parents to identify informal supports to move toward a family‑like setting with supervision of the visit coming from a natural support.

• Effectively advocates for the needs and interests of families who are receiving supervised family interaction sessions through the Family Preservation program. Assesses family strengths and areas of need during family interaction sessions and one‑on‑one meetings with parents.
• Maintains productive and respectful relationships with all team members and is proactive in facilitating regular and frequent contact with service providers. Maintains a highly professional and credible demeanor in all interactions. Delivers well‑prepared and accurate testimony to legal parties and/or court proceedings, to include describing family progress that has been observed during family interaction sessions.
• Articulates and makes appropriate recommendations for additional supports and services for families when identified as an area of need.

• Communicates clearly and effectively with Case Management team regarding recommended changes to the Family Interaction Plan.
• Facilitates learning opportunities for parents to build skills to ensure safety over time through increased challenges and independence.
• Transitions services to community providers, family members and other natural/informal supports based on assessment and communication with team.

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of the concepts of child safety and parental protective capacities. Is attuned and responsive to indicators of child safety in all…