Family Support Specialist -FFT

PURPOSE/FUNCTION OF THE PROGRAM:

The Functional Family Therapy – Foster Care (FFT-FC) Program is a relationally focused and trauma-informed treatment model for youth in the Foster Care System that increases the likelihood of successful positive adjustment and permanency placement. It provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to help youth and families overcome individual and relational trauma to promote stable foster care and long-term permanency placements. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The FFT-FC Family Support Specialist (FFS) works in collaboration with a clinician providing services in foster family and birth family homes. The FSS will be trained in the Functional Family Therapy-Foster Care evidence-based treatment model and adhere to all model requirements. Documentation will be completed according to model requirements and implemented into the electronic database systems. FSS will participate in weekly individual supervision and submit video tapes for FFT consultation and certification. The FSS will identify and refer children and families (both birth and foster) to community-based resources, as well as provide supervised visitation to birth families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Clinician to provide case management in accordance with model requirement
• Assists with the development of treatment plans and contracts for services
• Implements treatment plans, modifying it as appropriate during treatment
• Discharge planning, which may include plans for follow up treatment and connection to community services and programs
• Provides case management services
• Completes documentation and reports required by agency and program policies and funding sources, accurately and timely. 
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with other community agencies and organizations, to provide comprehensive and effective treatment services for clients (i.e., schools, courts, hospitals, etc.).
• Offer therapeutic support, parent guidance to families.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to deliver seamless services throughout the agency. 
• Must be willing to conduct client activities during late afternoon and evening times and/or weekends.
• Keeps program supervisors appraised of all situations which involve the safety of any individuals in the program or community, to monitor the impact on the agency as well as its mission of care for children and families.   

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• BA in social work, sociology, psychology, or comparable human service program.  
• Two years’ experience in a comparable position in a human services agency preferred.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to communicate comfortably with children, parents, and school personnel.
• Experience providing in home services, case management, coordinating systems of care, and working with complex family systems strongly preferred.
• Coursework or training in child development and trauma preferred.
• Organized and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to multi-task.
• Cultural competency to serve targeted populations. 
• Maintain valid driver’s license and ability to drive or otherwise obtain transportation to provide services throughout the service area.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet applications. Possess solid general computer skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bi-lingual (Spanish)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs
• Must be able to work with clients in a variety of settings
• Must be able to life 35lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be willing to drive to off-campus sites for in-home visits and collaborative meetings
• Must be willing to conduct client activities during late afternoon and evening times and/or weekend hours.