Department:

Functional Family Therapy (FFT FC)

Reports to:

Program Supervisor

Summary:

The role of the FFT FC Family Support Specialist is critical to the successful implementation of the FFT FC Model. The Family Support Specialist is responsible for engaging the child, birth and foster family. As such is responsible for engage the identified Permanency Parents (in most cases the birth family) immediately. This includes supervised visitation and early engagement around reunification.

Responsibilities

· Active member of the FFT FC team led by FFT FC Therapist;

· Provide home-based FFT FC treatment;

· Maintain accountability to adherence to evidence-based model;

· Demonstrate flexible, relentless and a strength-based relational approach when working with youth and families;

· Address clinical needs of clients through model adherent FFT FCFC interventions;

· Conduct initial assessments including review of referral information, identifying and engaging key participants, targeting risks and protective factors, and developing analysis of hierarchy and relational assessment within the family.

· Complete Care for documentation as required.

· Schedule first session within 2 business days of referral with all key players as appropriate.

· Provide supervised visitation to birth families.

· Continually assess for levels of engagement of all key participants and collaborate with supervisor and stakeholders to overcome barriers to engagement.

· Maintain clear and concise model adherent documentation of session and collateral contacts that promote monthly supervisory review;

· Document all contact and collateral notes in databases: Care4 within 2 business days;

· Complete required documentation including treatment plans and FFT FC Phase Plans;

· Maintain Care4 by documenting regular collateral contacts throughout treatment with clients and stakeholders;

· Conduct on going both model-specific and Foster Care adherent risk assessments and interventions for every family including tailored safety planning, crisis management, and model adherent interventions that target decreasing risk and increasing protective factors;

· Keep stakeholders informed of elevated risks and attend clients’ family court appearances and Administrative Care Reviews;

· Rotate on call services;

· Video tapes as required for FFT consultation and certification;

· Participate in all model and agency training, peer and individual supervision, and staff meetings;

· Independently organize and maintain weekly schedule and keep supervisor aware of schedule; and

· Identify and refer children and families (both birth and foster) to community-based resources.

Competencies

1. Excellent organizational and time management skills

2. Strong ability to work collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams

3. Strong ability to build rapport and develop meaningful working relationships with clients, foster families, biological families, DCF teams, and service providers

4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

5. Engaging, professional, and courteous

6. Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to get along with people of diverse backgrounds.

7. Culturally competent

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position operates in an office and community environment.

Physical demands

This position has minimal physical demands.

Position Type

This is a full-time position.

Expected Hours of Work

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however the work schedule is flexible. Rotating on-call schedule.

Travel

1. Limited in-state travel required to meet with clients, foster families, and attend meetings.

2. Must have a valid and current driver’s license to operate a company vehicle, or a personal vehicle with current auto insurance while on company business.

3. Must have a driving record that is free of accidents, moving violations or points.

Required Education and Experience

· This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Sociology or Psychology required along with 2 years' experience in their field of study. FFT FC Family Specialists should have experience in providing case management services, coordinating systems of care, working within complex family systems and have experience providing in-home services.

Preferred Education and Experience

Knowledge base:

1. Child development;

2. Trauma reactions and its impact on brain development; and

3. Community services:

-DCF Contracted Services

-Care Coordination

-Medicaid Funded Services

-Faith Based and Grass roots organizations

-Community based prosocial activities

-Knowledge of racial disparities within behavioral health services

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person