BENCHMARK FAMILY SERVICES, INC.
THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE NETWORK

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Therapeutic Support Specialist
Principle Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Assists in the development of treatment plans including medication concerns with the input of family, legal guardian or significant others.

2. Establishes a formal process for case reviews and information transfer between agencies and referral sources that appropriately meets the needs of those agencies/professional referral sources to promote their professional involvement in the child’s treatment.

3. Provides case management services to foster children including but not limited to, advocating on behalf of the client and family with social service agencies, court, police, medical, school, and other mental health professionals. Conducts home visits and provides on-going assessments to ensure foster homes remain viable for placements.

4. Provides support to foster children and consultation to foster parents. May refer children for counseling, psychiatric and psychological services if indicated.

5. Complies with paperwork requirements as established by the state placing agency and Benchmark Family Services, Inc.

6. Provides stabilization services on a crisis basis to prevent placement disruptions.

7. Participate in the rotation of the emergency after-hours phone.

8. Assist with child placing services, including identifying and contacting an appropriate BFS foster home and coordinating arrangements between the state placement worker and BFS foster home.

9. Participates in individual supervision, case conferences, staff meetings, and team meetings. May be asked to represent Benchmark Family Services, Inc. at community and civic functions and market the program.

10. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals, and literature and attending in-services, conferences, and workshops.

11. Provides supportive service to a child or children with severe emotional, behavioral, or physical needs placed with our agency.

12. May provide therapeutic services OR plan and coordinate additional therapeutic services/interventions to a child or children with emotional, behavioral, or physical needs placed with our agency.

13. Assist with other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge and Skills:

1. Education – Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the state standard for this job position. Must have appropriate licensure/certification, and meet all requirements of the state, licensing, and contract expectations.

KY: Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university in social work or a human services field.

2. Job Experience - Experience working with emotionally challenged/chemically dependent adolescents is preferred.

3. Understanding of the unique needs of children and adolescents who receive services from multiple agencies as well as clients who are considered severely emotionally challenged.

4. Knowledge of assessment and treatment planning.

5. Knowledge of community resources and related agencies.

6. Interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication and interaction with referral sources, clients, families, outside agency personnel, and other care providers when gathering and exchanging information. This level of interpersonal skill requires a great deal of tact and diplomacy.

7. Effective presentation/public speaking skills.

8. Knowledge of medical/psychiatric diagnoses, treatment modalities, therapeutic services, and intervention techniques.

Fair Labor Standards Act: Exempt

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to the Regional Director and/or Therapeutic Support Specialist Supervisor

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Prestonsburg, KY 41653: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person