November 6, 2024

Family SkillBuilders

Portland

FULL TIME

Family Support Specialist I

Build Your Family Services Experience with this Dual Program Position
Are you seeking an established agency where you can begin or advance your social services career? This newly created position gives you experience in two supportive family services formats: small parenting groups for peer learning and in-home services for one-on-one family support.
Bring your skills and experience and watch as you effect positive changes for Oregon families. Family Skill Builders has been serving parents and children for 22 years with proven educational programs. We are committed to building strong families through relationally based parenting consultation and strengthening community and natural supports. We believe using a hands-on, customized, home-based model empowers parents with the skills they need.
The Family Support Specialist 1 is an entry-level position for a candidate seeking an opening in family services or social work with an experienced provider.
This position offers a permanent full-time position with paid training, exceptional team and supervisory support, stepped-up documentation requirements, and the opportunity to learn and grow new skills.
Our clients come from diverse backgrounds. We value our staff who come to us with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, each adding to the strength we have together and our ability to make a difference for the families we serve. Family Skill Builders does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We strongly encourage people of color to apply to this position.
Job Description:
Parenting Group Support Role

Coordinate and transport 3-5 children to and from their foster homes to a Family Time Session at our Portland location using agency minivans
Assist Family Time facilitators as needed, while parents and children participate in supervised visitation. This may involve providing hands-on parent training, setting up activities, clean up, and running unexpected errands during this time.
Coordinate snack purchases and help prepare snacks.
Inspect vehicle, schedule maintenance, and report issues and concerns.
Communicate driving schedules with foster parents and supervisor.

Family Support Role

Work with families in crisis addressing safety and support issues for families with children or planning for family reunification.
Work closely with ODHS caseworkers and referring partners to assess child safety, stabilize and improve parental protection of children and help the family access necessary formal and informal community resources and supports.
Facilitate family time for parents with children in established meeting spaces.
75% of time is spent in direct face-to-face contact with referred families and 25% for supervision, consultation, ongoing professional training, service planning, and other administrative tasks.
Weekly work schedule may include some evenings.

Additionally:

Attend monthly mandatory meetings and staff retreats.
Complete training toward professional growth.

Education and experience requirements may be met in a combination of ways:

2+ years direct experience providing services to children, parents, or families
Associates degree or certification in social-service related subject plus 1 year direct experience
Bachelor’s degree in social service-related subject
Lived experience with Child Welfare
Any combination of the experiences listed above

Qualifications:
Essential:

Be able to stay positive and provide support to children and adults experiencing emotional dysregulation
Provide a calm and trauma-informed environment while transporting children
Be familiar with issues affecting high-risk families
Be familiar with effective parenting skills, child development and behavior management
Have effective interpersonal skills and the ability to immediately motivate and connect with parents successfully
Welcome the opportunity to work with adults and children from a variety of backgrounds
Have strong writing skills and be highly organized
Be self-motivated and able to work on a team and independently
Be at least 21 years old, have vehicle, driver's license, auto insurance and safe driving record
Have internet access and private space to work

Preferred:

Bilingual/Bicultural
Have needs assessment and/or case management experience
Have knowledge of crisis theory, trauma-informed parenting, Family Systems theory, cognitive/behavioral, solution-focused interventions
Have hands-on experience working with children
Have prior experience facilitating or supporting small groups.

Job Hours and Location:
This is a 5-day position Tuesday – Saturday. You will assist with parenting groups Tuesday – Friday mornings and provide one-one-one services to families Tuesday – Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Your work location will be primarily in Multnomah County for groups.
Family visits may take place in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas counties, both in-home and in-community. Our main office is in Clackamas County and will be fully accessible to you.
Benefits:

Collaborative team environment with strong supports for continuous training and learning
Case-load that reflects work/life balance.
Medical and dental insurance – 50% paid by company (upon meeting eligibility)
Career progression and promotion encouraged
Cell phone and tablet provided on loan
Gas reimbursement plan
Professional development training

COVID-19 considerations:
We provide masks and other PPE to all staff for personal use as well as the children and parents we serve, upon need or request. We work with families following all state COVID guidelines.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $42,500.00 per year
Benefits: