Family Support Specialist-Community Homes

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees have received the first Covid-19 vaccination dose by the first day of employment.

Position Function:

Family Support Specialist (FSS) is responsible for the development implementation monitoring and evaluation of effective treatment and discharge plans for designated youths. Responsible for the physical well-being and successful program completion for assigned youths; the Family Support Specialist also works with the natural parents with the primary focus being family engagement and inclusiveness. The FSS will work with the counties community partners clinicians care coordinators and other care providers to identify youth in need of permanency planning and/or permanency maintenance. Ensure the implementation of the treatment and Family Service Plan and locate and engage family members and other significant adults to build a lifetime network of caring adults for each youth and family. The Family Support Specialist assists in assuring continuous program compliance with external licensing and regulatory agencies and participates in program development implementation and evaluation. The Family Support Specialist carries an average caseload of twelve youths.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Masters degree in social work OR Related Field AND ONE (I) year of experience in child welfare education and/or behavioral health
• OR Bachelors Degree in Social Work or Related Field** AND TWO (2) years experience in child welfare education and/or behavioral health
• Related Fields are limited to Sociology Psychology Counseling Education Divinity Criminal Justice or Public Health Administration
• If unrelated field four years experience in child welfare education and/or behavioral health

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• the principles practices and techniques of casework as applied in child welfare
• the laws regulations and rules governing the provision of social services to individuals in child welfare and residential treatment programs
• Knowledge of community resources with concepts and methods utilized in the prevention of self-destructive behaviors
• Ability to connect with parents advocates community agencies and others in a professional manner
• Valid drivers license from state of residence and proof of auto insurance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Major highlights of the position requirements are noted below. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as required.
• Safety Assurance Responsibilities: Assess the safety of youth and/or family during each contact Immediately notify the appropriate program administrator when safety concerns arise
• Follow program-designated procedures for all physical contact with youth during safe physical management restraints
• In cooperation with the Program Director assure that House Parents provide adequate clothing nutritious meals and a safe living environment
• Coordinate the provision of medical and dental services as needed and required
• Ensure that House Parents conduct fire drills
• Conduct crisis intervention sessions with youths House Parents visiting resource and natural families as needed
• Provide 24-hour emergency on-call services to designated House Parents according to a designated schedule
• When transporting youths and families follow safe driving procedures
• Meet with the birth/legal families of each youth in accordance with Performance Standards to keep parents involved in each youths treatment and to assist parents in meeting the goals and objectives of the Family Service Plan
• Establish and monitor visiting plans for assigned youth and complete a monthly safety check visit to the home of visiting resource
• Assist in the development and implementation of an assigned youths discharge plan Treat natural family members as primary consumers of the Family Support Specialist services by responding to complaints/concerns in a supportive and timely manner
• Administrative Responsibilities Document all case contacts in accordance with Program Standards and CVCA policies and procedures
• Complete ISPs Quarterly Reports Quarterly Treatment Reviews on each youth according to program policies and procedures and regulatory criteria
• Maintain regular contact with other service providers servicing the youth and his/her family
• Maintain documentation of all contacts
• Work on strengthening family relations with youth and family where appropriate. Attend meetings evaluations etc. as requested by the family and CUA/County Agency
• Provide and maintain connections between the family CUA/County Agency Court and Community Providers
• Daily access to a vehicle for travel to home visits and community resources

Training Requirements:

• Must complete the required minimum of 20 hours of training each fiscal year
• Must complete and maintain certification in Mandated Reporting
• Must complete Safe and Positive training Must have CPR & l st Aid Training Mental Health First Aid Certificates
• Must complete additional specific training topics as required by the funding source Work Environment and Primary Work Locations:
• Community Homes located in the Philadelphia and MONTCO communities
• Flexible (40) hours per week Evening and weekend availability a must Physical Considerations:
• Ability to maintain composure in crisis situations with children and adults
• De-escalation techniques and crisis intervention skills a plus

PHMC is and EOE and an E- Verify Employer

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority