Family Support Specialist

Description

Hearts With A Mission has a great opportunity for a full-time Family Support Specialist.

Hearts With A Mission serves at-risk youth and families, by providing shelter, educational support, counseling, family reunification, transition planning, and elder companion care all with a faith-based approach.

 Join our team and make a difference in our community! 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides direct services to clients and their families participating in across any HWAM programs, with a focus on strengthening family functioning, improving client outcomes, and promoting positive parent–child relationships. The FSS may support clients across all HWAM programs: Youth Shelter, Safe Families For Children, Transitional Living Program, Hearts For Seniors and Independent Living Program. This role includes individual and group counseling with youth, parent engagement, parenting classes, family counseling, and mediation. The FSS works collaboratively with program staff, volunteers, community partners, and caregivers to deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed support services. Performs assignments with supervision or independently, requiring initiative and judgment in the conduct of work. All work is performed in compliance with organizational guidelines and policies, as well as all applicable laws.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Schedule subject to change based on agency needs

This is not a remote position and requires work to be completed on-site.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The Family Support Specialist reports directly to the SFFC/HFS/Marketing & Development Director. This is not a supervisory position. This position has an introductory period of three (3) months.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this position. The organization may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion.

Counseling and Support Services

• Provide individual and group counseling to youth enrolled in agency programs.
• Provide counseling and support to seniors actively enrolled in Hearts For Seniors program.
• Support client in developing social, emotional, behavioral, and coping skills.
• Facilitate weekly skill-building groups focused on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Monitor client progress and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with agency and funding requirements.

Family & Parent Engagement

• Engage parents and caregivers as active partners in services and programming.
• Conduct outreach to families to build trust, encourage participation, and reduce barriers to engagement.
• Provide parenting skills training, workshops, and educational groups focused on positive discipline, communication, and family strengthening.

Family Counseling & Mediation

• Provide family counseling to improve communication, address conflict, and strengthen relationships.
• Facilitate family meetings and mediation sessions to resolve disputes and support collaborative problem-solving.
• Support families in developing and implementing action plans aligned with youth and family goals.

Collaboration & Case Support

• Collaborate with volunteers, case managers, counselors, and other agency staff to coordinate services.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision.
• Make referrals to internal and community resources as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records, including assessments, service notes, and progress reports.
• Comply with agency policies, ethical standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Must demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, honesty, and transparency while always upholding the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Ability to engage and motivate clients and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity.
• Effective problem-solving and crisis-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population across all spectrums
• Experience in the use of computers, word processing, database, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of personal initiative and be able to work unsupervised
• Knowledge and application of stress management and wellness practices
• Must be flexible and adapt to changes in the work environment, shifting priorities on short notice.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment DHS Child Welfare background check.
• Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and proof of valid auto insurance.
• Demonstrate dependability, reliability, and accountability to include punctuality and attendance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a general office environment and is not normally exposed to hazardous materials, loud noises, or extreme heat or cold. This position may occasionally require weekend work. Work activities vary widely including attendance at meetings, trainings, and conferences; some overnight travel may be required. If local travel occurs and requires use of a personally owned vehicle, mileage reimbursement is available. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential job functions satisfactorily. This position involves periods of prolonged sitting and standing and use of computer equipment. This position requires the physical and mental capabilities to read information printed on paper and displayed on computer monitors; hear, speak, and communicate verbally using the English language; cognitive thinking and mathematical calculation capabilities; manual dexterity to manipulate papers, files, keyboard, 10-key, mouse, and telephone. This position requires walking, crouching, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, balancing, climbing steps/stairs, regular limb extension, pinching, grasping, moving, lifting, and carrying objects of 10 or more pounds frequently. Occasional driving required locally and long distance. Reasonable accommodations will be made to otherwise qualify individuals with disabilities and known limitations. This position must promote safe working practices; supports an environment of mental and physical well-being.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with at-risk youth and families.
• Knowledge of family systems, Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and Collaborative Problem Solving.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license at time of hire.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience providing individual, group, and family counseling.
• Training or experience in parenting education, family mediation, or conflict resolution.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

FLSA STATUS: Full-time, salary, exempt

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical Insurance
• Company paid Dental, & Vision Insurance for the employee (including affordable options for dependents & partners)
• Company paid Term Life and AD&D Insurance, plus Long-Term Disability
• 401k with Employer Match up to 4%
• Chaplain Care Team - Confidential, no-cost support for employee and family