Family Support Specialist (ARS)

Position:   ARS Family Support Specialist 

Accountable:     ARS Program Supervisor 

Classification:   Regular, Full Time, Non- Exempt (hourly) 

Hybrid Status:  EE-2 

Date Revised:   November 2026

Another Road to Safety Program (ARS) is an early intervention and prevention program offered through the Prevention and Intake Division of the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS or CFS). The strength of the ARS Program is our staff. Our Family Support Specialists are clinically inclined and provide some personal experience successfully navigating multi-systems within the Alameda County. Family Support Specialist utilize their clinical expertise to engage families while using a family-centered, early intervention and prevention approach. 

Role: 

The Family Support Specialist will work closely with families who are at risk of child abuse and neglect in Alameda County. The Family Support Specialist will work closely with families to increase involvement, setting goals, coaching family members through the process, and supporting them in achieving the set goals. The Family Support Specialist also helps to ensure that the integrity of the individual family's culture is fully integrated into every aspect of the care and support offered to the child and family. The Family Support Specialist ensures that culturally sensitive and family friendly engagement practices permeate throughout all of our program offerings. In addition, the Family Support Specialist will participate as a member of an Inter-Disciplinary team; including working closely with mental health professionals while representing the parent’s perspective. As a Family Support Specialist, you will receive support from the Another Road to Safety Program management team in the form of training, professional development, reflective clinical supervision, and administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry caseload up to 15. The staff will provide support to families with mid- high level service needs including and not limited to homeless, community engagement, parental support and improve child safety and mitigate risk. Knowledge of social and economic vulnerability of families involved in the child welfare system. 
• Provide outreach and engagement to families at risk of child abuse and neglect
• Demonstrate sensitivity and competence in dealing with ethnic, cultural and socioeconomically diverse client population spanning over a large geographic area.
• Conduct screenings for challenges such as safety risks, child development, substance abuse and depression 
• Develop the Family Care Plan in collaboration with families goals
• Conduct weekly face to face visits with families (within the community or parents’ residence)
• Support parents in accessing resources that address basic needs and stabilization concerns, such as housing, food bank, general assistance, etc. 
• Provide one to one support to the parent, i.e. role modeling advocacy for the parent; acting as a sounding board, motivator and coach for the parent
• Increase awareness about the importance of parent/professional partnerships
• Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the child’s treatment plan; including educational and mental health treatment plans
• Assist families in increasing their support network on behalf of the needs of their child
• Assist families in their understanding of their role with their child
• Participate in Inter-Disciplinary Team meetings and represent the parent’s perspective
• Engage in personal and professional development in order to develop new skills and meet the challenges of the position.
• Participate in related parent education trainings and workshops
• Participate in weekly individual and group supervision
• Participate in required agency and county in-service training program 
•  Facilitate Parent Cafés and other parent training development events
• Maintain accurate case documentation and complete all paperwork by deadlines 
• Communicate daily schedules and plans clearly to supervisor and other relevant parties.
• Maintain close contact with supervisor through email and cell phone contact (equipment provided).
• The ability to relate effectively and professionally with parents, supervisor, co-workers and staff in support of families.
•  Maintain accurate case documentation and complete all paperwork by deadlines
•  Meet and maintain all contract deliverables by deadlines 
• Perform  all other duties as necessary for the good of the agency and program

  Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or four years’ experience working in the Human Services or closely related field and previous case management experience. 
• Personal experience connecting with community resources and ability to support families in accessing all needed community resources.
• Experience in working with families with complex trauma
• Specialized training in Substance Abuse/Recovery      preferred
• Experience in Motivational Interviewing and/or      commitment to receive training in this area.
• Must have an understanding of child/adolescent      development
• Ability to engage cross-culturally with diverse clientele and      community partners, providing culturally relevant and sensitive support 
• Experience providing face to face Family Driven care to      multi stressed families involved in Child Welfare system 
• Good organization skills.
• Good verbal and written skills.
• Experience      in computer skills and/or commitment to receive training in this area
• Ability to pass various background checks needed to      work with children
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation and proof of insurance.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed, including some evening      and weekend events. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish or Cantonese) preferred
• Fathers encouraged to apply

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some evenings and weekends required. 

Travel

Local travel to various worksites is required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and obtaining TB and health clearances. When applicable, driving records are periodically reviewed in accordance with company policy. Employees must also comply with the organization's vaccination requirements.

A Better Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusive environments for all employees and applicants are our priority. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, neurodiversity, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.  

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This document may be subject to periodic review and revision in compliance with California labor and employment regulations.