Bilingual Family Support Specialist

Wheeler•Waterbury, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bilingual Family Support Specialist works in the Foster Care program, providing direct services, case management, and care coordination to an assigned caseload of individuals and families. The role helps clients access community supports and resources and facilitates communication and advocacy among families, DCF, schools, probation, and other involved providers. The specialist may also facilitate or co-facilitate groups. Spanish-English bilingual proficiency is required, with an annual stipend of $2,288. The listed rate is $23.08. Services may be delivered in the office or in community settings, including homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, and other locations. The role requires a flexible schedule based on client needs and may include rotating on-call coverage with team members to maintain 24-hour client availability as required by the program. The position is located in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Requirements

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or a related field.
Previous experience working with client populations with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.
Effective time management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle in the community based on program needs.

Responsibilities

Develop case management plans or plans of care and provide direct case management services and/or care coordination for assigned clients and families.
Provide interventions that support treatment completion, build on client and family strengths, and improve life functioning.
Submit and review documentation as defined by the program.
Provide front-line crisis support by phone, in homes, or in the community, based on client needs and program practice parameters.
Assess situations, interpret and adapt program guidelines, use judgment to determine appropriate methods and courses of action, and consult with a supervisor when appropriate.
Provide group, individual, and/or family counseling with appropriate supervision, and coordinate treatment phases with service providers and family supports.
Maintain records of counseling, care coordination, child and family team meetings, and case management; complete medical-record documentation within required timelines and in compliance with applicable requirements.
Apply knowledge of basic psychopathology, crisis theory, behavioral health concerns, and relevant interventions such as skill building, safety planning, parenting skills, and high-fidelity wraparound care.
Support daily program-specific operational functions.
Transport clients to appointments or linkages when appropriate.
Provide evaluations, treatment, wraparound team facilitation, follow-up, and case management in office and community settings.
Support safety planning and crisis intervention, including clinical emergencies with appropriate supervision and rotating on-call coverage as required by the program.
Participate in developing and implementing initial treatment or care plans, transition plans, timelines, strategies, and next steps.
Understand levels of care, referral processes, and resources; make timely, clinically appropriate referrals.
Meet direct-service productivity goals and follow program, department, and agency guidelines, practice standards, and data collection and reporting protocols.
Identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce risks in the home using appropriate supervision, reinforcement of safe behaviors, and trauma-informed, relationally based interventions.
Attend and prepare for supervision, team meetings, staff meetings, or rounds; seek additional consultation as needed and follow supervisory directives.
Communicate positively and effectively with clients, families, and internal and external providers.
Continue developing culturally informed knowledge and use approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of the groups served.