Family Support Specialist

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.•Clarksville, TN

21d•$52,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Youth Villages’ Family Support Services program partners with Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services to provide family-centered, strength-based case management services to youth from birth through age 18 and their families. Referrals come from other DCS program areas, juvenile courts, and self-referrals. Staff provide crisis support, identify services and resources tailored to each family, and use formal and informal assessments to guide case planning. The program seeks to increase stability, strengthen relationships, build self-sufficiency, and enhance well-being and permanency. The Family Support Specialist manages approximately 20 cases and provides case management and care coordination. The role involves visiting homes and other sites, assessing safety and service needs, advocating for youth and families, coordinating care, and documenting services in an electronic medical record. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. On-call schedules vary by location. The stated salary range is $52,000–$60,000 per year, based on education and clinical license. Youth Villages describes its work as helping children and families live successfully and emphasizes professional growth, personal development, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field is required.
A degree in social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy may be considered; other degrees are subject to review.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.
Current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a social services discipline.
Experience with the foster care system and/or DCS.
Clinical experience and/or case management experience.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of approximately 20 cases.
Conduct home and site visits at least twice per month to assess and address safety concerns.
Learn and follow DCS policies that guide care and services for youth and families.
Provide case management and care coordination services to youth and families.
Facilitate progress in the youth’s treatment and help ensure the youth is in the least restrictive setting that is safely possible.
Provide sufficient service intensity to help children remain with caregivers and avoid out-of-home placement.
Gather assessment information using clinical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving; assess risks and apply appropriate interventions or services.
Attend meetings, including team meetings, court hearings, and school meetings, as an advocate for the youth and family.
Ensure medical, dental, and educational needs are met and accurately documented.
Provide on-call crisis support to youth and families; schedules vary by location.
Attend three weekly meetings—individual, team, and clinical consultation—for professional development and to enhance clinical skills.
Complete accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage.
401(k).
Two weeks of paid vacation for full-time employees; one week for part-time employees.
12 paid sick days per year.
11 paid holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Mileage and cell phone reimbursement when applicable.
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision.
Continuous training for growth and development.
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.