Families First Specialist

SUMMARY 

Provides direct in-home services to families substantiated for child abuse and neglect, who have been referred by Children’s Protective Services workers and Foster Care workers from the Department of Human Services. Services are directed at keeping the family intact and preventing foster care placement of children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the agency's program and business needs. Responsibilities are noted below:

· Provides intensive in-home services for 2 client families at a time, providing 4 – 6 weeks of service, averaging 10 hours of face-to-face service per family per week.

· Writes Service Plans, Progress Reports, and a Termination Report for every 14 days of service provision.

· Writes time sheets and case notes and complete other documentation on all cases.

· Expends Specific Assistance monies by use of an agency credit card and checkbook.

· Attends Families First of Michigan trainings and other agency trainings as required.

· Provides 24/7 emergency availability for the 2 client families on the worker’s own caseload.

· Works some non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, holidays).

· Transports clients as needed.

· Teaches families parenting skills, coping skills, and skills for living.

· Collaborates with DHS referring workers and foster care workers.

· Functions as part of a Families First team in weekly meetings and other activities.

· This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support 1) culturally competent, recovery-based practices; 2) person-centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her own life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and 3) a trauma informed culture to aid individuals in their recovery process.

· Adhere to Agency and program philosophies, policies, and procedures to assure consistent and ethical professional standards and required service outcomes. 

Ability to understand, demonstrate and apply the Agency’s workplace values 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field from an accredited school is required.

· Experience working with families is highly preferred.

· Lived experience with behavioral health issues is desired.

· Education, training, and/or knowledge of the impact of trauma on individuals, children, and families, is desired.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

•  Required: Valid Michigan driver's license and driving record which complies with agency policy