Support Specialist I, II

The Family Care Network Inc. • San Luis Obispo, CA

6d • $23 - $40 • Hybrid

About The Position

Family Care Network, Inc. (FCNI) is a mission-driven nonprofit serving children, youth, adults, and families across San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. The Support Specialist collaborates with clients, their families, and healthcare professionals to develop and implement personalized case and treatment plans and behavior intervention plans in homes, schools, and community settings. Working under the guidance and direction of a Social Worker/Therapist, the role promotes client well-being and independence through coping skills instruction, emotional support, encouragement, and practical life development. The Support Specialist is an essential member of the treatment team and helps create a supportive, empowering environment for clients and families.

The position is based in San Luis Obispo, with hybrid provisions. FCNI office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the average daily schedule for client-facing staff is 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Staff must maintain schedule flexibility to meet client needs and accommodate meetings, supervision, and other program responsibilities. The schedule includes one weekend day per week. The position also participates in an assigned after-hours on-call rotation, with on-call support from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.; coverage is scheduled in five-hour shifts, not including travel time.

Frequent use of a personal vehicle for company business is an essential function. Employees must have and maintain a valid California driver's license, current automobile insurance and registration as required by law, and an acceptable motor vehicle record. The company's insurance carrier requires covered drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have at least three years of licensed driving experience. Continued assignment to driving responsibilities depends on meeting and maintaining the carrier's eligibility requirements.

The role is full-time and non-exempt under the FLSA. Support Specialist I pays $22.60–$33.90 per hour; Support Specialist II (MHRS) pays $26.70–$40.10 per hour. Applicable Spanish bilingual employees receive a 10% increase on their hourly base rate. Additional compensation is available for after-hours on-call participation, and mileage is reimbursed at $0.76 per mile.

Support Specialist I requires an associate degree and direct experience in a behavioral health or social services setting. A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred. Support Specialist II (MHRS) requires an associate degree and six years of full-time-equivalent behavioral health experience in a specialist role in physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred with four years of such experience.

Requirements

• Support Specialist I: Associate degree required.
• Support Specialist I: Direct experience in a behavioral health or social services setting, such as an outpatient clinic, behavioral health facility, or related community-based organization.
• Support Specialist II (MHRS): Associate degree and six years of full-time-equivalent experience in a behavioral health setting as a specialist in physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and four years of such experience.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Valid California driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance and registration as required by law, and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• For driving-related responsibilities, meet the insurance carrier's requirements of at least 21 years of age and a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience.
• Flexibility to meet client needs and accommodate required meetings, supervision, and other program responsibilities, including one weekend day each week and assigned on-call coverage.

Nice To Haves

• Support Specialist I: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Support Specialist II (MHRS): Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, paired with four years of full-time-equivalent experience in a behavioral health setting as a specialist in physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment.
• Spanish bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral support, use evidence-based interventions, transfer skills to clients and families, and reinforce new behaviors through strategies such as modeling and prompting.
• Teach life skills, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and other daily living activities as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, including symptom management, relapse prevention, and healthy coping skills.
• Engage clients in meaningful activities and social interactions that promote mental and emotional well-being; provide transportation or accompany clients as needed to access community resources and support services.
• Guide and support clients in using coping strategies during crisis situations, including risk assessment and safety planning.
• Train and support families, caregivers, and other stakeholders in behavior management strategies and techniques.
• Reinforce team collaboration and support team members in identifying client strengths and needs.
• Monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed to ensure interventions are effective and goals are met.
• Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation.
• Respond to on-call needs within the required response timeframe.

Benefits

• Cigna PPO health plan, with FCNI covering 75% of the employee premium and 60% of the dependent premium on the primary plan.
• Vision PPO and Dental PPO plans; FCNI covers 75% of the employee premium and 60% of the dependent premium on the primary plan offered.
• Flexible spending account plans available.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match, subject to eligibility provisions.
• 13 paid holidays annually.
• 17 days of PTO accrued annually, increasing at the beginning of four years of service.
• Additional compensation for participating in after-hours on-call.
• Mileage reimbursement of $0.76 per mile.
• Spanish bilingual differential of 10% of the employee's hourly base rate, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree