Family Development Support Worker

Job Summary

This position will provide community-engagement, outreach, and assist in linking families to needed supports and services at the Family Resource Center (FRC). Engages community and families using a strengths-based, solution-focused approach. Ongoing support provided to families based on the development and implementation of family well-being plans based on the goals of the family and involving the application of casework methods. Works collaboratively to inform and develop child abuse and neglect prevention strategies and support that are community-based and culturally informed

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assesses family dynamics and individual needs to support family in achieving identified goals.
• Develops person-centered individual/family well-being plans and goals with families; measures, and documents progress.
• Interviews adults or children who may have a variety of mental, physical, or behavioral issues to determine service needs.
• Provides in-home contact with clients and communicates service providers to develop plans of intervention, work on identified goals, monitor progress, and determine termination/continuation of service.
• Promotes and maintains the health and safety of children and families related to child abuse and neglect prevention strategies.
• Gathers data and identifies service trends.
• Develops and provides health education and social determinants of health to the community.
• Maintains related records and documentation, and prepares reports.
• Assists with administrative duties such as, but not limited to filing, data entry, and appointment scheduling; records in FRC database; handles phone calls; assists FRC coordinator; staffs the FRCs during designated hours; and provides basic FRC information over the phone.
• Provides support, guidance, and general monitoring so families remain housed and helps to identify and problem solve barriers to housing stability.
• Participates in local collaborative and interagency planning meetings.
• Coordinates services and resources to families.
• Makes appropriate referrals for services for individuals and families and coordinates follow up to referrals with service providers. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in a human services related field and 1 year of experience working collaboratively with service providers and families in connecting families to services and resources to increase family well-being. Preference given for bilingual abilities. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Prevention-Based Social Work Supervisor. Work is performed according to established procedures and verbal or written instructions.  Work is reviewed by the supervisor for accuracy and adherence to established procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge - Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to social work.
• Knowledge of methods of coaching and teaching to adapt FRC participants varying learning styles and needs.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in an efficient manner, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate and systematic records.
• Ability to assist with data collection, evaluation, assessment, and analysis; identify relevant trends and assist with making recommendations based on findings.
• Ability to influence policy, systems and environmental change working with community partners including work sites, communities, schools, and healthcare organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to interview, teach, and counsel participants and members of the community.
• Ability to appropriately respond to conflicts or problems related to family dynamics, work across systems and partner engagement.
• Ability to research, write, produce, and distribute newsletters and other communication materials including fact sheets, reports, articles, and pamphlets.
• Ability to convene and facilitate groups.
• Ability to train and educate others.
• Ability to use MS Office software, standard office, and computer equipment for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion and sensitivity in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
• Ability to assess child safety and make mandated maltreatment reports when legally required.
• Ability to help individuals and families prioritize needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals and individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple stakeholders. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. In the event of an emergency, physical requirements will increase and be more demanding in all areas listed. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.