Family & Support Specialist

Summary

Description:

Provides supported housing and support services to homeless families in a permanent housing setting of a supported housing program. Services include support services related to substance abuse, domestic violence, housekeeping, budgeting, education, daycare, employment, parenting, and physical and mental health care. Services are designed to promote independent living and mental health stability.

Duties (Functions):

Primary (Essential):

Assesses and screens families as required: works directly with families to monitor and document mental health status, family stability, and progress and performance toward goals. Provides as necessary, appropriate crisis management services. Provides family counseling as needed/desired; obtains financial resources as necessary. Plans, conducts and documents sessions in accordance with policy and procedure.

Provides direct/indirect assistance, guidance and instruction in tasks related to the maintenance of the family household; documents required reports and basic living skills service provision in accordance with policy and procedure; provides family counseling and monitors family progress.

Assesses for safe and clean residences; oversees proper maintenance of each facility ensuring needed repairs are reported and completed;
Transports families as needed.

Maintains regular communication with and coordinates family care with team members and other service providers. Participates, as needed in group meetings/professional staffings to ensure appropriate delivery of services.

Assists families with completion of paperwork for available community resources (i.e. food stamps, social security benefits, vocational rehabilitation, child care, parenting classes, HUD, etc.);
Develops supports and/or services as needed or desired by families that promote more effective household management.

Maintains necessary family files, records and other documentation in accordance with internal and/or external requirements; prepares written narratives of service plans and interventions.

Assists families with resolution of disputes/problems; ensures proper procedures are employed regarding the handling of grievances or complaints.

Secondary:

Maintains supportive housing monthly census; ensures adequate utilization.

Reports as appropriate, all unusual events, activities and incidents.

Will comply with Compliance Plan and standards of conduct and report any noncompliance to the appropriate official.

Will attend all required trainings.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a Human Service related field is required. Social Work or family systems emphasis preferred. Education must be from an accredited school, college, or university.

Experience:

Minimum of five years’ experience working with family systems, child/adult development and psychopathology, school systems, HUD, homeless resources, and/or community resources for families. Knowledge and experience with property management/ tenant-landlord issues preferred.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of agency operating plan, budget and objectives of program, counseling techniques and mental illness.

Skills and Abilities:

Good skills and demonstrated abilities in verbal and written communications, coordination/cooperation, follow-through, interpersonal relations, attention to detail, use of basic language and math, following verbal and written procedures and instructions, recording information orally and in writing, internal and external public relations, working independently, verbal and physical crisis intervention techniques, planning, problem solving, negotiating, flexibility to change, decision making, scheduling own and others' work, counseling techniques and evaluation techniques, organizing own…