Family Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Family Support Specialist plays a vital role in coordinating long-term care for families caring for children up to 8 years old as part of the LAUNCH project. This position involves overseeing care through screening, admissions, outpatient services, and continued support. The Family Support Specialist also supports prevention and screening efforts, facilitates and coordinates with providers on referrals to behavioral health and related services. This role ensures families receive the integrated services they need to foster healthy development and overall well-being.

REPORTING:

Reports to the Director of Children and Family Services

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Family Support Specialist's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assess the needs of children and their families at admission to develop individualized care plans that address specific goals and level of assistance required throughout the continuum of care.

• Provide ongoing case management by following up with clients regularly to ensure that all basic needs, including required documentation and resources, are addressed to support clients in achieving their goals at discharge.

• Facilitate connections with community services and resources to support the client's goals and needs, ensuring a seamless transition through various phases of care.

• Act as a liaison between families, schools, early head start programs, and community resources to create a supportive environment and ensure continuity of care.

• Educate children and families on behavioral health, developmental milestones, and available community resources, delivering age-appropriate curriculum and daily skills training to ensure the highest quality person-centered care.

• Collaborate closely with other members of the clinical team to address daily concerns, intervene in crises when necessary, and provide additional directives for care to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.

• Assist families in developing a comprehensive aftercare plan to ensure they have the necessary resources to facilitate ongoing care and support after exiting the program.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with SFRC policies, HIPAA, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Family Support Specialist Job Description October 2025

• Keep accurate and timely documentation of all case management activities, including care plans, progress notes, referrals, and communication with other providers, in compliance with agency policies.

• Identify and establish relationships with community resources, including employment, housing, medical, and other support services, to address the diverse needs of clients and their families.

• Schedule and manage personal, business, and legal appointments for clients, ensuring that all aspects of their case management are efficiently coordinated.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Child and Family Services.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations.

2. Strong understanding of cultural diversity and its impact on service delivery.

3. Advanced knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality standards.

4. Experience and knowledge of behavioral health, particularly in early childhood development and family dynamics.

5. Proficient use of standard office equipment and systems, including Microsoft Office Word and Outlook.

6. Ability to build rapport with clients and maintain effective professional relationships within the organization.

7. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a variety of tasks and organize workload efficiently.

8. Familiarity with community resources, including mental health, social services, financial assistance, education, housing, employment, and childcare support.

Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.

2. Minimum of one year of experience in addiction treatment counseling, case management, or a related role, preferably working with children and families.

3. Case Management certification (ACM, CCM, RN-BC, CPSW) required.

4. Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to become certified).

5. Unrestricted NM Driver's License required.

PM21

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