Family Engagement Specialist (Dallas)

Position Summary 

The Family Engagement Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Engagement Supervisor and functions as the coordinator and/or facilitator of one or more models of Family Group Decision Making, including Family Group Conferences (FGC), Single Case Plan Meetings, Circles of Support (COS), Permanency Conferences (PC), Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM), Transition Plan Meetings (TPM), and/or Family Team Meetings (FTM) in the region. The position interacts routinely with Family and Protective Services staff and the general public.    

Responsibilities 

1. Support/Service Delivery 
   1. Collaborates with family and stakeholder participants to determine an appropriate action plan.
   2. Collaborates with staff and administration to create a process that encourages the identification of family strengths to resolve family issues and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for the children involved.
   3. Utilizes effective time management skills and tools to work efficiently and effectively to achieve positive outcomes for children/families.
   4. Trains and informs staff and community stakeholders in the FGDM model.
   5. Serves as FGDM facilitator, including preparation, facilitation and follow up for family meetings in the program.
   6. Coordinates the receipt of referrals, orientation, and preparation of family members, connecting with community resources and setting up family conferences.  
   7. Assists case managers with reviewing case records to identify family members and locating the identified family members.
   8. Participates in Child Pending Placement shifts as needed.  
   9. Participates in the on-call rotation and duties.  
   10. Effectively uses work Outlook Calendar as instructed by supervisor/director to reflect daily and weekly tasks.
   11. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
2. Quality Improvement
   1. Prepare administrative reports to facilitate collection of data associated with the FGDM model to monitor performance outcomes.
3. Communication 
   1. Maintains communication with case management staff and supervisor to ensure all information received is accurate to schedule all PPM’s.
   2. Communicate with all external stakeholders to coordinate all PPM’s, PC, FGC’s and COS’s.
   3. Creates a working relationship with all parties and coordinates meetings to discuss cases.
   4. Keeps supervisor and co-workers informed of work activities.
   5. Works toward constructive and effective relationships.
   6. Interact with people at all levels in the organization in a positive manner.
   7. Maintains a positive working relationship with external stakeholders.
   8. Schedules virtual meetings as needed.
4. Growth 
   1. Assures continuous professional growth and development by: 
      1. Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings.
      2. Attends and participates in all required trainings. 
      3. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth.
5. Supervision 
   1. Receives supervision.
      1. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters. 
6. Leadership 
   1. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
7. Community Engagement
   1. Works with community and professional groups to coordinate, improve and strengthen knowledge between child welfare and external stakeholders.
8. Documentation 
   1. Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into IMPACT.
   2. Create and update forms used for PPM’s.
   3. Research policy and procedures. Accurately enters information gathered during PPM’s in a timely manner.
9. Finance/Budget
   1. Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation.  
   2. Adheres to deadlines for expense reports.
10. Risk Management and Safety 
    1. Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established by the organization.
    2. Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws.  
    3. Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed.
    4. Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation.  
    5. Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date. 

Qualifications 

1. Education/Credentials/Licensure:
   1. Bachelor’s or better in Human Services or related field. 
   2. Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record. 
   3. Reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
2. Experience:
   1. Requires two (2) years of relevant experience in child welfare including knowledge of issues surrounding foster care, adoption, trauma, medical and developmental needs, and the importance of legal permanency are recommended as well as familiarity with state child welfare rules and procedures and the juvenile and/or probate court systems.    
3. Clearances:
   1. State Police 
   2. FBI 
   3. Child Abuse Clearances 
   4. CPSL Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training per state regulation. 

Working Conditions 

1. Physical Demands
   1. This position requires operating a keypad device 75% of the day and electronic/office equipment 25% of the day.  Frequent travel in and out of the state of Texas may be required daily along with travel by plane and may include travel in weather conditions - 80%. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts under 25 pounds. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   
2. Mental Demands
   1. Occasionally makes quick decisions, handles a diversity of problems, performs multiple tasks, and handles distractions that interfere.
   2. Continually need to concentrate. 
3. Environmental Factors
   1. Environmental factors require this position in school, home, community, residence, office, and in-home.  
4. Working Hours
   1. This position works a non-traditional schedule that can vary based on client and department needs.  
   2. Participates in the on-call rotation.