Family Support Specialist I - Fulltime

Supports child welfare-involved families through client-directed services. Provide a combination of services to improve family stability that includes supervising parent-child interactions, housing and home management assistance, parenting education, and in-home services to support biological parents, foster parents, and relative caregivers. In conjunction with Case Managers, engage with families around their strengths and needs through assessment, goal setting and coaching.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification
Requires a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, personal auto liability insurance coverage and the ability to
be insured by the CHHS auto insurance carrier.
Must use personal vehicle to transport children, complete in-house car seat transporter training within one month of hire and retrain biannually thereafter to maintain.
Education

High School graduate or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
Experience
Requires 3 years experience working with families of diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic background.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Exhibits guiding behaviors that reflect Children's values and support our mission and vision.
Ability to model, redirect and coach parents in their guidance and nurturing of children.
Ability to engage families and children who are dealing with child maltreatment, safety issues and other related problems to improve family functioning that ensures positive child development.
Excellent judgment skills. Learns quickly when facing new problems and makes good decisions based on a mixture of analysis. Ability to make sound judgments, to use supervision effectively and to take independent action if needed to ensure child safety. Is cool under pressure and can effectively cope with change.
Ability to approach clients with positive regard and assume positive intent with all parties.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written skills, including the ability to write factual progress notes and effectively present information in individual and group settings with a variety of audiences.
Strong computer skills.
Capacity to help families make strong connections with community resources and knowledge of community resources/services available to support program participants.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Normal office environment where there is no reasonable potential for exposure to blood or other high risk body fluids.
Flexible work environment, splitting time between remote work, office, and community locations.
Personal vehicle must be available for regular use and be able to accommodate at least 2 children in car seats.
Must be available for evening and weekend hours as required.
Flexibility in schedule including time inside and outside the normal office environment.
Local travel may be required.
Home visits in various environments.
Court appearances as required.
Preferred Job Requirements
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification
State of Wisconsin Social Work certification preferred.
Education

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience
Previous experience in child welfare, visitation, or other related experience preferred.