Family Support Specialist - Intake

About Vanessa Behan

Vanessa Behan is a nonprofit emergency childcare center serving children from birth through age 12. Children may stay for up to 72 hours while families navigate a crisis. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children, strengthen families, and help prevent child abuse in our community.

Position Summary

Family Support Specialists provide direct support to parents and caregivers seeking services and resources through Vanessa Behan. As the first point of contact for many families, Family Support Specialists build trusting relationships, conduct intake and discharge processes, assess family needs, provide crisis support, and connect families with community resources. Working under the direction of the Family Services Program Coordinator, Family Support Specialists help create a safe, supportive, and family-centered environment that promotes child safety and family well-being.

Available Shift Options

• (#29) FT: Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed 5:30am – 2pm (32 hours)
• (#19) FT Cross Trained Package (Family Support and House Parent): Sun /Mon 5:30am-2:00pm, Tues/Wed 9:15am-1:30pm, Thurs 5:30am – 2:00pm (32.50 hours)

Essential Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for families in person and over the phone.
• Conduct intake, assessment, and discharge appointments.
• Build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to parents and caregivers.
• Identify family needs and connect families with appropriate community resources and services.
• Use knowledge of child development and family systems to assess potential risks and support child safety.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation.
• Support positive transitions for children entering services.
• Collaborate with colleagues and community partners to coordinate support for families.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, retreats, and other professional development activities.
• Cross-train in related program areas as assigned.
• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED/HSEC.
• Have minimum 1 year experience in case management and resource referral
• Have experience working with children and families and an understanding of family systems.
• If seeking the cross-trained package (House Parent and Family Support Specialist combined role), must have minimum of 6 months experience overseeing children in a social, emotional, and physical capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of experience working directly with parents, caregivers, and families.
• Knowledge of Washington State child welfare systems and community resources in Spokane County.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, family support services, or case management.

Additional Requirements

The following requirements must be completed before or shortly after hire. Vanessa Behan will assist employees in obtaining required certifications if needed.

• CPR and First Aid certification (including Infant CPR).
• Washington State Food Worker Card.
• Successful completion of Washington State and national background checks consistent with applicable law.

· Annual influenza vaccination and current Tdap vaccination (within the past 10 years) are required unless an exemption or reasonable accommodation is approved in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law.

• Ability to comply with applicable health, licensing, and program requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and committed to supporting children and families.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during crisis situations.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of child development and family systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems.
• Ability to accurately enter information while interacting with clients by phone or in person.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers.
• Occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, and reach.
• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to observe and respond to the needs of children and families in an active service environment.
• Ability to use computers, telephones, and office equipment throughout the workday.

Compensation

Wage Range: $21.01 - $29.41 per hour. Actual starting pay is determined based on qualifications, skills, experience, and organizational needs.

Typical Starting Rate for New Hires: $21.01 - $21.50 per hour.

Employees may be considered for wage increases one to two times per year based on performance and organizational factors.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Life insurance & AD&D
• Paid time off (Wellness Leave and Washington Paid Sick Leave).
• Seven paid holidays.

Work Location

In-person – Spokane, Washington

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vanessa Behan is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay: $21.01 - $29.41 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $29