Family Support Specialist I

Job Description

Job Description

Family Support Specialist I

Job Title: Family Support Specialist I

Grant Line
: TBD

Reports to: Manager of Justice Impact:
Family Support Specialist II

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Our Mission

Phoenix Youth and Family Services provides safe pathways and strong supports for young people in the Arkansas Delta to navigate historic and systemic inequities in resources, power and opportunity. When youth have what they need to be successful, the entire community can prosper.

We work with youth and their families, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, the court system, local businesses and faith-based groups in rural, southeastern Arkansas to create supportive networks that are rooted in the home communities of the young people we serve.

Join Our Purpose

Phoenix Youth and Family Services (Phoenix YFS) is at the forefront of building resilience in under-invested communities in rural Southeast Arkansas. Since its establishment in 1995, Phoenix Youth and Family Services (Phoenix YFS) has been dedicated to creating economic, social, and community development opportunities in Southeast Arkansas. The Department of Labor has recognized our Youth Opportunity program as one of the most innovative service delivery programs, bringing hope and inspiration to thousands of youth.

In 2024, Phoenix YFS broadened its mission to include all individuals, regardless of age, who face insecurities in their daily lives. Our primary focus is on vulnerable citizens who aspire to make meaningful social contributions but lack the necessary resources to build a better life. Our goal is to help them achieve this objective in a measurable and meritorious manner.

What We Need in a FSS1

Mission, Culture and Fit

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must embody the values and mission of Phoenix Youth and Family Services. This includes meeting our clients where they are, demonstrating our values through compassion, understanding and training; and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Attention to Detail

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress in physical and digital files; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing intake and case notes; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details required for compliance metrics provided by funders.

Collaboration

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must collaborate and coordinate with referral programs and local resources to provide support to clients in need of more intensive services. Additionally, this position must collaborate with external service providers where individuals are receiving services to ensure coordinated care and/or wraparound support.

Travel Requirements: This position requires up to 50% travel to client site locations including home, school, detention facility, courts and group counseling sessions.

What You Will Do as an FSS1

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) provides vital support to youth court-assigned to Phoenix Youth and Family Services (PYFS). These clients often face challenges that affect their well-being and success without intervention.

The FSS1 conducts assessments, manages crises, provides service referrals, follows up, and conducts home and academic visits. This role primarily supports clients in the Young Adult Reentry Program (YARP) but may also assist clients referred by other programs, law enforcement, or schools.

Additionally, the FSS1 coordinates communication among parents, faculty, counselors, law enforcement, and judges. They work collaboratively with local and state systems to support clients' academic and employment success. The FSS1 also builds relationships with community organizations to maintain a database of resources related to basic needs, welfare services, and mental health in the Arkansas Delta.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments for clients.
• Perform general Counseling/Case Management duties, including holding weekly individual sessions with clients, making referrals to community-based