Family Specialist I

Pacific Clinics • Modesto, CA

5d

About The Position

Within a team process, the Family Specialist I develops strength-based relationships with youth and caregivers, intervenes with maladaptive behaviors while building on youth strengths and interests, links families to community resources, and transfers skills to caregivers. The role helps create permanent connections for youth and families, may search for and engage family members, and assists with transitions to the lowest appropriate level of care. Work is performed independently in family homes and in community and treatment settings.

The position provides direct, billable mental health services to youth and families, with documentation aligned to Medi-Cal regulations and established productivity expectations. The Family Specialist collaborates with youth and family teams, caregivers, natural supports, and community resources to develop and implement individualized, strength-based plans, safety strategies, and interventions. The role observes and tracks target behaviors, supports positive behavior change, helps families access ongoing community supports, facilitates healthy group dynamics, and maintains timely documentation and administrative practices.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; two years of relevant experience count as one year of education.
• Relevant experience must include providing direct behavioral support to people with mental health, developmental, or behavioral challenges.
• Demonstrated experience implementing behavior intervention plans and supporting clients with complex behavioral needs.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, positive behavioral support, and collecting data on behavioral outcomes.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in school-based, residential, or community mental health settings.
• CPI, PCM, or other crisis-intervention certification, or willingness to obtain one.
• Must be able to remain physically fit enough to help keep children and self safe.
• Must complete a full background check and TB exam.
• Driving is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to youth and families, including billable mental health services, and document in accordance with Medi-Cal regulations and productivity expectations.
• Build relationships and alignment with parents, youth, and others involved with families.
• Use the strengths of youth, families, and others to support goals and outcomes.
• Work with youth and family teams on family-driven, strength-based planning and interventions.
• Recognize and use therapeutic opportunities during crisis situations.
• Observe target behaviors, track progress, and work with families to modify plans toward identified outcomes.
• Help teams identify behavior functions and unmet needs and develop individualized strategies and interventions.
• Engage caregivers, family members, and natural supports in developing parenting responses that support positive behavior change and family relationships.
• Work in community settings with youth and families to develop and implement safety and skill-refinement plans.
• Help families connect with natural resources and community-based programs for continued support.
• Develop community resources serving children and families.
• Help youth and family teams address specific service needs and monitor outcomes.
• Participate in family-finding activities, including identifying needs, obtaining authorizations, creating teams, conducting searches, setting deadlines, and completing Connectedness Maps as needed.
• Document interactions and practices and meet administrative expectations in a timely manner.
• Meet or exceed direct-service and documentation requirements.
• Help develop program responses to needs across families when natural community resources are unavailable or inappropriate.
• Balance attention to individual strengths, concerns, and needs with a focus on the family as a unit.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate and model healthy group dynamics in settings such as homes, schools, parks, recreation centers, and treatment facilities; provide opportunities to express feelings and ideas when appropriate.
• Build cooperative, culturally responsive relationships with youth, families, and community resources to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate activities that support family-identified goals.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support department or business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with eligibility beginning on day one, subject to employment-status eligibility requirements.
• 401(k) employer match of up to 4%.
• Competitive time-off plans.
• Possible bilingual differential of up to 7.5% for qualifying direct-service roles or up to $80 per month for qualifying non-direct-service roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED