Family Support Specialist ROOF

OREGON FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK INC•Salem, OR

27d•$23 - $29

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) is a peer with shared lived experience who supports families raising a child with emotional, behavioral, mental health, developmental, or other health challenges. The role helps families engage and actively participate in their teams and treatment processes and make informed decisions. Using personal and professional experience, the FSS provides consultation and coaching to improve parent/caregiver-professional partnerships and strengthen parent/caregiver voice, choice, and involvement. FSSs work in a variety of settings and programs, including Wraparound, Community and Transition Services (CATS), community-based programs, the Reach Out Oregon parent warm line, Rapid Response, and Caring Contacts. They support families’ unique needs using consistent Family Support practices and competencies. The position provides direct family support as well as documentation, meetings, training, and other administrative duties. The FSS may deliver support through in-person meetings, warm lines, support groups, and family discussions, and may assist with outreach, training, family activities, and special events.

Requirements

Direct experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child-serving agencies, including mental health, addiction treatment services, or child welfare.
Meet state requirements and register as a Traditional Health Worker with a worker type of Family Support Specialist within six months of hire.
Ability to articulate the experience and perspective of a parent/caregiver of a child with complex needs and build mutuality with families.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present and work with diverse audiences and backgrounds.
Ability to pass pre-employment requirements, including criminal and abuse background checks.
Ability to manage multiple projects with tight timelines and deadlines.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Reliable transportation, valid and current automobile insurance, and an insurable driving record, or access to reliable transportation.
Knowledge of or ability to use Microsoft Office applications, databases, electronic health record software, and virtual platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets.

Responsibilities

Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate peer support to families using personal and professional experience, best practices, and approved Family Support Competencies.
Help parents and caregivers access, engage with, and participate in systems of care and their child’s planning process.
Explore the strengths, needs, culture, and vision of the child and family.
Participate in child and family team meetings to support parent/caregiver access, voice, choice, and connection to the team.
Encourage families and teams to raise concerns openly and model effective, respectful, strengths-based communication.
Provide consistent encouragement and hope, and offer non-judgmental, unconditional support.
Maintain contact with parents/caregivers in accordance with the plan and family needs, and follow through on tasks and assignments.
Support families in developing and connecting with natural supports in their communities.
Model and support discussion of sensitive issues, reframing of concerns, and respectful communication.
Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries and help ensure the safety and protection of self and families served.
Participate in regular peer and clinical supervision.
Accommodate schedule flexibility to meet family needs and maintain consistency with the practice model and program design.
Complete accurate and timely documentation, including scheduled reports, timesheets, and progress notes.
Attend staff meetings and scheduled trainings.
Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA.
Maintain the assigned office and community-based work schedule.
Provide supportive services such as support groups, family activities, recognition events, outreach, and training.
Participate in policy committees and workgroups as requested to support system improvement, integration, and collaboration.
Provide family support through platforms such as in-person meetings, warm lines, support groups, and family discussions.
Assist with and attend special events.
Provide families with information about the organization, community partners, Wraparound and Systems of Care philosophy, child and family team processes, and the FSS or Family Partner role.
Maintain local resource information for families to access independently.
Represent agency and program values and principles and maintain constructive, positive team relationships.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed.