Family Support Specialist,

**Family Support Specialist, #646**

LifeWorks NW has over 60 years of experience providing holistic mental health and addiction services for all ages throughout the Portland metro area. We are a private, non-profit organization serving over 30,000 youth, adults, and older adults annually. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

The **Family Support Specialist** uses the "Growing Great Kids, Inc" curriculum to provide parenting information, skills training, child development information, developmental screenings for infants and toddlers, and resources or referral information to prenatal/new parents. Community based services are offered in the home.

*As a behavioral health organization, LifeWorks NW employees are required to have had their COVID 19 vaccination (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) . Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire.*

**Location:** This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Beaverton site.

**Pay/Benefits:** $19.95 to $21.70 per hour. This position is 40 hours a week. .

**Essential Responsibilities:** (Must be able to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.)

Meets Healthy Families America standards for average home visit completion rate and personal training requirements.

Meets productivity standards as defined by the performance review including face to face contact with clients and maintaining a full case load.

Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to cultural effectiveness in working with diverse populations.

Completes all required intake, assessment, goal setting, evaluation and exit paperwork including but not limited to Family Goal Plans, Home Visitor Plans, Parent Survey Assessments, MOTT and monthly and quarterly reports.

Provides screening and assessments to assess the development of infants using standardized tools.

Conducts parenting and group skills trainings sessions.

Serves as group facilitator, plans and implements group activities including coordinating transportation.

Provides case coordination through meetings with other agencies and collaborating partners

Uses program outcome measures as assigned.

Consults with supervisor on cases involving potential domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients' development.

Responsible for accurate, complete, and timely documentation of home visits and contacts. Maintains chart notes, tracks client involvement, follow-through and progress in program activities. Documents and maintains client records to ensure compliance with agency timelines, contract guidelines and confidentiality standard.

Completes critical incident reports when indicated within 24 hours of a critical incident.

Participates in regular individual meetings with supervisor and attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all-agency meetings, consultation meetings with community partners, intra-agency and on-line trainings, etc.

Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 48 hours for routine matters (urgent matters may require a more immediate response)

Travels between sites or in the community

**Work Activities:**

Providing Direct Client Care - Individual, parenting, and group skills training; case management; and occasional crisis support.

Assisting Clients - Responsible for rendering assistance in clean up duties involving the bodily fluids spill kit when providing services at LifeWorks NW sites.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Establishing Relationships of Trust - Developing constructive and collaborative working alliances while maintaining professional boundaries.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form according to required timelines

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships or systems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Outside Organizations - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and outside organizations by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as standing, sitting, lifting up to occasionally 25 lbs (i.e. materials and handouts), walking, reaching, and twisting.

Exposure to Environmental and/or Physical Hazards - May be exposed to various conditions specific to each home including stairs, pets, allergens, odors, alcohol or drug paraphernalia, and/or various other environmental elements.

**Qualifications:** (Equivalent education and/or experience may be substituted for qualifications. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each task proficiently.)

Bachelor's degree in child and family studies, health, social science, social work, counseling, or a related field OR a high school diploma plus a minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood development.

Additional 2 years of experience working with children 0-3 and their families.

Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.

Demonstrated ability in providing case management services and compliance with confidentially in accordance with federal, state and/or funding source requirements.

Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.

Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required.

Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

**Knowledge:**

Infant and Child Development - Understanding of developmental milestones and appropriate range of development by age. Infant Mental Health Endorsement level I or II preferred.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

**Skills:**

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

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