Family Support Specialist

Location:

This position is an in person position in Tampa, FL. We do not have funds to offer a relocation package.

Just Initiative builds community across racial and economic divides, creates pathways out of poverty, and reflects the love of God. We reject an 'us and them' mentality and foster a trauma-informed community where every person is treated with dignity, contributes, and receives support. Employees are expected to be committed to their own mental health and spiritual growth.

The Family Support Specialist provides intensive support to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through trusted relationships, individualized planning, advocacy, and connections to resources and community, this role helps families strengthen stability and move toward their goals. Services are provided in the office, throughout the community, and where families are staying.

• Provide consistent, family-centered case management, including intake, at least two meetings per month, individualized Family Support Plans, and ongoing progress toward family goals.
• Help families access housing, benefits, education, health and behavioral-health supports, and other community resources; address barriers and strengthen self-advocacy and natural support systems.
• Manage approved assistance funds responsibly and complete required authorizations, documentation, and follow-up.
• Maintain timely, accurate, confidential assessments, case notes, service data, outcomes, and case files in required systems.
• Serve at least 25 families annually, with services generally lasting an average of six months per family.
• Support Tuesday Nite Live, Just Kids Week, WOVEN family events, and related programming; collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• 40 hours per week
• Weekly schedule is based on organizational, program and family needs;
  Tuesday Nite Live attendance is required each Tuesday from 6:00-8:15 p.m.
• Rare occasional evenings, weekends, and special events, with advance notice whenever possible.

• Bachelor’s degree in a human-services field and two years of relevant experience preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of homelessness, housing instability, and Hillsborough County resources; experience with behavioral health concerns or willingness to pursue related training.
• Ability to meet families in varied living situations, respond calmly to challenging circumstances, use de-escalation skills, and follow safety practices.
• Strong judgment, follow-through, teamwork, communication, documentation, and computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive, related software and case-management databases.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and sensitivity regarding faith, race, culture, socioeconomic status, family structure, and other forms of diversity.
• Alignment with Just Initiative’s mission and commitment to trauma-informed, family-centered service.
• Preferred/Bonus: experience with Unity, CATs, ASO databases

• Requires effective verbal communication, physical and emotional stamina, at times the ability to lift and carry up to 20+ pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must complete applicable pre-employment level 2 background screening and be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Reliable personal transportation with required insurance, valid driver’s license (ability to meet families at agreed upon locations, assist families in connecting to community resources, etc)

This position is grant-funded through September 2027. Continued employment beyond that date is contingent upon renewed funding. We expect to receive a funding decision in spring 2027.