Family Support Specialist

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.•Nashville, TN

5d•$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. Families may be referred by other DCS program areas, juvenile courts, or through self-referral. The program identifies services and resources tailored to each family’s needs and uses formal and informal assessments to guide case planning. Its goals include increasing stability, strengthening relationships, building self-sufficiency, and enhancing well-being and permanency. The Family Support Specialist manages approximately 20 cases and works with youth and families in community settings. The role includes assessing safety and family needs, coordinating care, advocating for youth and families, supporting treatment progress, and helping maintain children safely with caregivers whenever possible. The position includes on-call crisis support, documentation in an electronic medical record system, and regular meetings for professional development and clinical consultation. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. Applicants must have a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff are reimbursed for applicable mileage. Salary is $52,000–$60,000 per year, based on education and clinical license.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field is required. Considered fields include social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, and marriage and family therapy; 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

Carry a caseload of approximately 20 cases.
Conduct home and site visits at least twice per month to assess and address safety concerns.
Learn 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 ensure the youth is in the least restrictive setting that is safely possible.
Ensure services are sufficiently intensive to help children remain with caregivers, with the goal of avoiding out-of-home placement.
Gather assessment information using clinical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving to assess risk and apply appropriate interventions or services.
Attend meetings as an advocate for youth and families, including team meetings, court hearings, and school meetings.
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 meetings for professional development and clinical skill enhancement.
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.