Family Support Specialist (Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time)

The Youth Counselor; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Family Support Specialist responsible for providing reunification services and therapeutic family time. The role includes case management, support services, and coordination with community programs. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in human services and strong communication skills. This position requires a commitment to helping families and ensuring effective treatment.

Qualifications

• Three years’ experience in a similar role preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services including assessments and treatment plans.
• Collaborate with community groups and maintain documentation.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Cultural Competence

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

BSW

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Family Support Specialist (Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time)

Starting annual salaries are: $45,000 for bachelor's level; $47,000 for bilingual bachelor's level, commensurate with experience.

It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Reunification and TFT Specialist(s):

Responsible for provision of Reunification Services and Therapeutic Family Time. Provide reunification services to families referred by DCF, offering short-term intensive in-home services following the removal of a child(ren) due to abuse or neglect to promote successful reunification. Conduct weekly home visits, work closely with bio-family and resource family (substitute caregiver), conduct therapeutic family time (supervised visits), transportation to and from visits, provide on-call support, and intervene as needed. Services are coordinated with DCF and other community providers. Family Support Specialists also provide Therapeutic Family Time (TFT) services to families referred by DCF, utilizing the Visit Coaching Model. This involves active support to parents to demonstrate their parenting skills using a strength-based approach, employing methods such as play, modeling, instruction, and rehearsal, tailored to individual needs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for case management, support services, mental health services to children and families, and coordination with community programs, including documentation as required by policies and funding sources. Services are provided in various settings to meet families' needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct services including:
• Conducting assessments and engagement
• Developing and modifying treatment plans
• Discharge planning and follow-up
• Case management
• Collaborating with community groups
• Complete clinical documentation and reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies to ensure comprehensive treatment.
• Work as part of a team to address client and program needs.
• Participate in agency committees, task forces, and community outreach to enhance visibility and linkages.

Experience and Skills

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in human services or BSW required.

EXPERIENCE

• Three years’ experience in a similar role preferred but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, comfortable with children, parents, and school personnel.
• Organized, independent, and able to multi-task.
• Culturally competent and experienced with inner-city children.
• Committed to results and performance accountability.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation ability may be required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with agency-specific applications is a plus.