Family Support Specialist (Case Manager), Developmental Disabilities Program

Bridges Homeward • Cambridge, MA

6d

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist is a member of Bridges Homeward’s Developmental Disabilities Program team. The role assists families, children, youth, and adult family members referred by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) with developing life skills, setting and achieving goals, accessing resources, and engaging in community activities. The position includes assessing family and client needs, providing strength-based support, and assisting families with funds allocated by DDS. Basic Spanish-speaking capacity is preferred but not required.

Bridges Homeward is a mission-driven organization serving the Greater Boston community and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including advancing racial equity initiatives. The agency describes its goal as helping each person find permanency through a healthy, nurturing relationship with an adult they can count on. The role offers a 33.5-hour, 4.5-day work week and a supportive team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field; alternatively, three years of experience working with families, children, and adults with developmental disabilities may substitute for the degree.
• At least one year of experience working with families, children, and adults with developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide case management to families, including the ability to assess needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Basic Spanish-speaking capacity.
• Familiarity with positive behavioral techniques and ABA principles.
• Familiarity with special education.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule parent and caregiver trainings.
• Collaborate with Bridges Homeward staff to develop and coordinate family activities and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Advocate effectively for clients with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Facilitate communication with clients’ collaterals, including DDS, schools, medical providers, in-home providers, and therapists.
• Provide strength-based support by partnering with families to understand and meet their needs.
• Assess client and family needs through referrals from DDS.
• Assist families in managing funds allocated by DDS.
• Assist families, children, youth, and adult family members with developing life skills, setting and achieving goals, accessing resources, and participating in community activities.

Benefits

• 33.5-hour, 4.5-day work week.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and wellness days.
• Medical and dental coverage.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Financial coverage for social work licensures and professional development, including access to CEUs for those who need them.
• Tuition remission for undergraduate classes.
• Staff-driven committees, including a Young Professional Committee and a Recognition and Activities Committee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level