Family Support Worker at Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative – Washington, District of Columbia

POSITION TITLE: Family Support Worker FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator DATE: January 2021

and/or Program Manager

DIVISION: Family Services

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the Program Coordinator and/or Program Manager, the Family Support Worker is responsible for conducting home visits, documenting interactions between at risk children and family members during visits and reporting issues, concerns and/or questions to the Program Coordinator and/or Program Manager. The incumbent identifies and coordinates referrals from the DC Child and Family Services Agency and community sources on a wide variety of community-based resources and services for families. The incumbent provides a wide variety of administrative functions to include but is not limited to: case planning/management, filing various materials for inclusion into client records; producing a variety of reports and documents; and completing necessary forms. The incumbent works evenings and/or weekend hours to accommodate the needs of program participants.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Service Delivery –40% – Provide direct services to clients on demand that may include referral for services, crisis intervention, and risk assessments. Document challenges to service delivery and provide timely recommendations to the Family Services Program Manager to ameliorate barriers and strengthen family capacity. Intervene in situations that may require crisis counseling in order to diffuse potential disruptions to progress. Identify and/or develop an array of support services for clients for the purpose of integrating support systems and expanding program and family strengthen capacity. Regularly engage families in assessing needs and implementing interventions that are goal oriented and achievable. Assist in the facilitation of parent groups for fathers. Maintain, at a minimum, 2 face-to-face contacts with clients and/or families. Conduct regularly scheduled home visits and maintain accurate and timely documentation of interactions among family members. Consistently enter all relevant client contact information into database appropriate to program.

Documentation - 30% - Produce professionally written material (grammatically correct) in a timely manner, and in compliance with program practices. Produce a variety of monthly reports as necessary. Maintain records current within 7 days to ensure records are accurate and up to date. Input all relevant information into the designated database system on a regular basis.

Team Participation – 10% - Actively participate in team supervision; team-based case planning, and team interventions on a weekly basis. Actively participate in case reviews of new FSWs. Assist with the onboarding and orientation of new FSWs. Services as a subject matter expert on various social services processes and resources. Actively participates as a member of the team by providing input, following program protocol, maintaining staff and clients’ confidentiality and being of assistance in the day-to-day implementation of program practices. Review cases on a monthly basis to ensure timeline and service planning are on target.

Community Involvement – 10% – Offer or seek support from other FSFSC programs through consultation, sharing of resources or expertise to enrich families’ experience with the program. Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders and the community at large. Seek out and utilize community resources in Ward eight (8) and community at large to assist clients in developing relationships that may provide additional resources and/or sources of income and support.

Professional Growth –10% - Participate in team meetings and trainings, shares experience and insight at said events, seeks input from others, and utilizes any information learned in daily work practices. As FSW II, staff is expected to attend trainings that relate to managing multiple projects on yearly basis. Able to professionally raise concerns and questions in a manner that promotes discussion for solutions. In conjunction with the supervisor, identify and participate in other training’s or committees which can further professional growth. With the assistance of the supervisor, identifies strengths in performance as well as areas needing development; work together to plan and achieve desired performance goals.

EDUCATION

BA degree in Social Work/Social Science (preferred) or related field of study, or a combination of related education and experience.

EXPERIENCE

One-year experience in Social Services or related field preferred. Excellent problem solving, analytical, organizational and communication skills required ability to prioritize works according to organizational demands and established timelines. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.