Family Support Specialist

Texas Family Care Network • Houston, TX

16d

About The Position

Providing transformational change to the child welfare system in Region 5. Primary travel within Harris and Jefferson Counties. Must be willing to travel for work 80% of the time. Position Summary This position functions as an assistant to Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) case managers and case manager supervisors in providing human services to TFCN clients, including transportation and documentation of services provided. It may also include supervising visitations between parents and children, ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include safety, food, hygiene, education, and entertainment/recreational activities. Responsibilities of this role also involves various clerical functions. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance.
• One (1) year experience of working in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or DFPS or thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university.
• DPS DFPS FBI CBCU Eligibility Determination Child Abuse Clearances

Responsibilities

• Provides transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by TFCN intake/placement specialist, case managers and/or case manager supervisor.
• Observes and/or supervises visitations between parents and children.
• Successfully assists TFCN Case Managers in providing human services to TFCN clients.
• Interacts with children, clients, families, and communities in a way that reflects commitment from the organization to create and maintain a strong collaborative relationship. 
• Works collaboratively with other systems (education, health, and justice systems) to improve outcomes for the child/youth and family.
• Works well interdepartmentally and provides support and good customer service to clients, peers, DFPS staff, representatives from various organizations, and Texas Family Care Network/Pressley Ridge staff, and the general public.
• Responds to clients, supervisors, staff in a timely manner.
• Keeps caregivers and foster parents informed of developments.
• Makes certain the family is aware of how to access assistance outside of normal business hours.
• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.).
• Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems.
• Uses tools provided and training to determine the child and/or parent's needs and makes appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or other assessments.
• Research solutions to technical or service-related issues and seeks guidance from mentors.
• Follows up with everyone concerned to inform them of the solution or to provide an update on how the problem is being addressed and handled.
• Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings.
• Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth. 
• Participates in on-call rotation and duties by responding to on-call notifications and phone calls accordingly. 
• Offers new ideas and/or ways to streamline processes to better serve communities and the organization overall.
• Is resourceful and embraces tactical creativity to overcome challenging tasks and difficult situations.
• Provides solution focused input, is positive, supportive, respectful and engaged with the team.
• Acknowledges and values the contribution of team members.
• Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation. 
• Adheres to deadlines for expense reports. 
• Establishes and maintains appropriate rapport with all clients, families, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization.
• Ensures needs of parents and children are met while at their temporary placement.
• Maintains out-going paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by TFCN intake/placement specialists, case managers and/or case management supervisors.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties (i.e., typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, relaying messages, etc.).
• Attends and actively participates in court hearings about the child and family.
• Contacts all parties in the case before the hearings.
• Prepares court reports in a timely manner.
• Testifies in court regarding the child's needs, the family's progress, and the efforts of Texas Family Care Network to achieve permanency for the child.
• Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established. the organization. 
• Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well-being are followed.
• Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws.
• Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation.
• Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date. 
• Attends and participates in all required trainings. 
• Effectively uses work Outlook Calendar as instructed by supervisor/director to reflect daily and weekly tasks.
• Independently assess and prioritize tasks to manage time.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or director.

Benefits

• Medical coverage available with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with 100% employer match
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account
• Retirement savings plan with an employer match
• Free life insurance and AD&D
• Paid Time Off
• 9 paid holidays (7 recognized holidays plus a floating and birthday holiday per year)
• Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees