Family Support Specialist - School Based Preventive Services

Gateway-Longview, Inc. • Buffalo, NY

6d • $22 - $26

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist provides person-centered, strength-based, collaborative case planning services to youth and families referred to Gateway Longview’s School Based Preventive Services program. The position works with youth and families to support their safety, permanency, and well-being, coordinating with schools, community providers, referral sources, courts, and agency staff. The role uses motivational interviewing and trauma-informed, solution-focused approaches to strengthen family and youth skills and support networks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field.
• Valid New York State driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and reliable transportation for regular local travel.
• Access to a personal vehicle for daily travel and client transportation as needed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and be detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as an enthusiastic team player.
• Availability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, for program schedules, crisis intervention, and on-call support.
• Ability to provide transportation assistance to youth and families as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, school personnel, and community resources.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competence.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and organizational and community needs.
• Comfort and proficiency with electronic medical records, technology, and data management systems.
• Ability to travel to off-site meetings.

Responsibilities

• Meet face to face with assigned clients at least twice per month in accordance with program expectations.
• Collaborate with referral sources, school districts, community providers, courts, and applicable agency staff to work toward established goals for youth and families.
• Build support networks for youth and families to ensure stable supports are in place before discharge.
• Develop, teach, model, and evaluate techniques and interventions for parents, caretakers, and youth, including parenting skills, behavior management, discipline, school attendance, academic success, anger management, and behavior modification.
• Complete and file accurate, thorough, and timely progress notes, health and safety assessments, correspondence, and other case-related documentation in client records and the NYS OCFS CONNECTIONS system.
• Follow program policies and procedures to support efficient program delivery.
• Participate in regular supervision, staff meetings, and required or offered training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• 403B retirement plan.
• Flexible working options.
• Up to 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays.
• Up to 33 days of paid time off each year, with the opportunity to begin using PTO after hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time