Family Support Worker

Polk County•Balsam Lake, WI

About The Position

The Family Support Worker is an essential member of the Child Protective Services (CPS) and Youth Justice (YJ) team. The role works directly with families, children and adolescents, and social workers to strengthen and support families. Clients may be voluntary or involuntary. The worker provides individual and small-group support on topics including child and adolescent development, parenting, behavior management, communication, safety services, nutrition, housing, money management, and personal hygiene. Work is most often performed in client homes and community locations, with some duties in a standard office setting. The role requires scheduling flexibility to meet client needs and may include early morning, evening, or occasional weekend work. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.

Requirements

Associate degree in human services, education, child development, or a related field, with a minimum of two years of experience working in the field; a combination of education and experience providing an equivalent level of knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Strong customer service background, organizational skills, and oral and written communication skills.
Detail-oriented.
Valid Wisconsin driver's license.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
Demonstrated integrity and honesty, accountability, customer service, community relations, communication, interpersonal relations, self-management, and flexibility.

Responsibilities

Provide in-home parenting education to families.
Help families create behavior management plans for children in their homes.
Arrange and supervise family interaction visits when children are placed outside the family home, as necessary.
Provide transportation to and from family interaction, community visits, or medical appointments when necessary.
Provide budgeting assistance to families.
Help families locate housing and complete housing applications.
Teach families about home maintenance and sanitation.
Provide education and assistance with meal planning and nutrition.
Help families locate employment and complete employment applications.
Help families locate and access community resources.
Complete accurate and timely case documentation.
Testify in court as needed.
Teach parenting classes in homes and group settings.
Assist social workers in assessing family strengths and family safety.
In some cases, independently conduct assessments and make recommendations to families, social workers, schools, and other associated team members.
Participate as a department team member to improve office efficiency and cooperatively solve problems.
Fulfill the department’s mission and purpose.