Family Preservation Specialist

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs. Additionally, this position has flexible hours and a non-traditional work schedule.

Position Purpose:

The Family Preservation Specialist, under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Family Services or Family Services Coordinator and under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, is responsible for providing resources and referrals to families, conducting home visits, and advocating for families within the context of their team assignment (e.g. Intake and Assessment Team, Housing Team, etc). The incumbent is responsible for maintaining documentation for their assigned cases and completing agency assessments, case plans, and other forms as necessary. S/he is also responsible for providing outreach services that employ prevention and intervention techniques, and conducting collateral visits. Lastly, the incumbent will provide rotating emergency coverage.

Principle Accountabilities:

1. Home visits - Conducts home visits as determined by family's level of risk and safety issues. Monitors level of family functioning and stability to ensure housing, clothing and food needs are adequate. Builds and maintains trust and rapport with families. Builds on strengths of the family to assist them in meeting their needs and responding appropriate to crises and stress. Assists the family in modifying behaviors and/or conditions. In coordination with supervisor, reports incidents of child abuse and neglect to DC Child and Family Services Agency.
2. Case Management – Identifies and articulates critical issues confronting the family. Reviews intake summary/case plan in collaboration with direct supervisor and in peer case review to determine appropriate courses of action(s). Maintains documentation of interactions among family members during home visits. Assists family in applying for resources. Coordinates Family Group Conferences (FGC) as needed. Refers family for family meetings as appropriate.
3. Outreach - Conducts collateral visits to schools, hospitals, and governmental and nonprofit agencies in order to assist client in understanding responsibilities and services available (e.g. Medicaid, Social Security, TANF, etc.). Assists or guides clients when necessary to determine appropriate or necessary service(s).
4. AResource and Referral – Investigate resources in the community to meet needs of clients. Maintains a current and up-to-date listing of all community-based programs, schools, civic associations, churches, and businesses to assist clients in obtaining food, clothing, housing, employment, furniture etc. Maintains working relationships with outside agencies to promote the work of CH/S FSC, to be aware of community issues that may affect clients, and to advocate for client services.
5. Emergency Coverage – Provide emergency coverage to ensure support is available when clients are in need.

Education/Experience:

Level 1	Level 2
High school diploma and less than five years experience in community-based social services or a related field such as child development, family relations, and/or behavioral health	a high school diploma and more than five years of experience in community-based social services, or a related field such as child development, family relations, and/or behavioral health
OR an Associate degree/some college credit and less than three years of experience in social services or a related field	OR an Associate degree/some college credit and more than three years of experience in social services or a related field
OR a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in social work or a related field and no work experience in social services	OR another equivalent combination of education and experience.
Level I incumbents should also be able to demonstrate some knowledge of community resources; possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills; and be generally familiar with Microsoft products	Level 2 incumbents should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of community resources; possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills; and be generally familiar with Microsoft products. Level II incumbents should also demonstrate an ability to work more independently within their assigned work team and have a general knowledge of human services, case management and crisis intervention.