Family Support Specialist

About Us

Vision Statement

Options Counseling and Family Services supports the health, safety, equity, and well-being of our clients, families, employees, and communities.

Mission Statement

In partnership with members of the communities we serve, Options Counseling and Family Services promotes safety, healing, and empowerment for individuals and families.

Benefits

Options offers many benefits for our full-time employees (full-time is any employee working 30 hours per week or more). A list of all our benefits can be found on our website, here: https://wp.options.org/employment/benefits/

Highlights:

• Options pays 100% of the cost to cover employees for medical, dental, vision, basic term life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability
• 403b retirement plan with an agency match
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) funded by Options to reimburse employees for a percentage of medical expenses related to employees' deductible
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Expense accounts are available
• Generous Paid Time-Off (PTO) policy that allows employees to earn up to four weeks in the first year of employment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 100% funded by Options

Position Details

General Description:

Provides services to families referred through DHS/Self Sufficiency to enhance family stability and support workforce readiness. Provides a comprehensive screening to determine immediate needs. Provides skills training to children, adolescents and adults to address immediate needs. Develops and implements effective service plan. Collaborates with community partners and connects families to relevant resources to support progress. Ability to travel to families’ homes and communities required*

Schedule/Hours:

This position is anticipated to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, some weeks may have fewer scheduled hours. The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual client families. Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors.    

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years’ experience working with at-risk families within the last five year or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. Effective working with families in which children have experienced abuse or neglect has occurred. Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families. Relate effectively with children, adolescents, parents, staff and the community. Pass a DHS background check and/or fingerprinting. Maintain client confidentiality. Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.*

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree of Science in social work, psychology, or counseling. Knowledge of dynamics of high-risk families including sexual abuse, substance use, and domestic violence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

50% - Direct Service

• Provide in-home change services to children, adolescents and families
• Assess for parental capacities as related to child safety and well-being
• Help family members overcome barriers and identify strengths
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing, Wraparound, Collaborative Problem Solving, and other evidence-based practices
• Help parents improve diminished protective capacities
• Provide a range of services including parent education, communication skills, home management, budgeting, stress reduction, stabilization of home environment, and other appropriate services
• Refer client to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling as appropriate
• Conduct parent-child coaching and interaction sessions
• Create and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with supportive partners in the community
• Provide intervention that is family-focused, culturally relevant, behavior and goal-directed
• Work a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs and be available for crisis consultation

35% - Case Coordination

• Coordinate case activities with Contract Supervisor, DHS/Self-Sufficiency, schools and other community partners
• Participate in branch meetings, as needed
• Maintain and carry out all scheduled appointments
• Attend and actively participate in weekly group supervision meetings with supervisor and peers

15% - Documentation

• Report any potentially dangerous situations or safety plan violations to DHS or law enforcement, including making required mandatory reports
• Document all travel time, mileage, and other required work-related activities
• Maintain accurate and complete client records, including weekly progress reports, treatment plans, service summaries, and memos to chart, within the electronic client record (ECR), to meet contract requirements
• Develop a written record of appropriately used direct support funds for client family

Working Conditions:

• May be required to work afternoon, evening, and/or weekend hours
• Will travel locally and transport clients with own vehicle. Must be insured with liability insurance*
• Extended periods of time sitting at work station updating client records, phone work, and client sessions
• Ability to stand, work, and drive throughout the day
• Mobility and dexterity sufficient to assist clients and handle required job-related functions and move about the facility
• Ability to cope with clients who may use challenging or offensive language with potential for escalation to physical aggression

* Positions that require driving clients must maintain vehicle insurance as required by law, with a minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 personal auto liability coverage (proof of insurance will be required).

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable applicants with disabilities to perform the essential functions