Social Work Position: Family Support Counselor - Kid First Program

Kids In Distress Inc; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids In Distress Inc. seeks a Family Support Counselor for the KID FIRST program in Fort Lauderdale to provide in-home wraparound services to at-risk families. This is a full-time, in-home position requiring a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a willingness to be available 24/7.

The role includes family assessments, case planning, documentation, and referrals to community resources, with weekly home visits and potential court involvement.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required for documentation and communication.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License or equivalent.
• Ability to travel to client homes and operate a vehicle for in-home visits.

Responsibilities

• Make weekly face-to-face contact with families in their home.
• Complete family assessments and develop a family preservation plan.
• Maintain detailed case files, progress notes, and discharge reports.
• Provide crisis intervention and connect families with community resources.
• Attend court hearings as required and participate in case management.

Skills

Spanish language

English fluency

Driver's license

In-home service delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field

Job description

The KID FIRST (Family Intervention Response & Support Team) Program is an in‑home family preservation program focusing on assisting families in crisis. Serving more than 500 families annually for an average of 3-4 months, Family Support Counselors meet with each family on a weekly basis to teach parenting skills and provide case management and crisis intervention.

This is a full‑time position responsible for providing in‑home wrap around services to at risk families. The FSC makes the initial family assessment, case plan, and discharge report and all documentation required on his/her caseload. He/she also makes referrals to a variety of agencies for the family for follow‑up services. The individual must be available 24/7 to the families served by the program. Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Make face to face contact with the family in the family's home at least once a week.
• Complete a family assessment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the family unit.
• Develop a family preservation plan (case plan) that describes the behavior a family must exhibit to keep the child safe from further harm and/or strengthen the family.
• Maintain detailed files, case log, and weekly progress reports on each assigned family.
• Assist assigned families in improving their relationships, as well as teaching parents how to provide better care, nutrition, hygiene, discipline, protection, instruction, and supervision.
• Help families discover and gain access to community resources which would assist them in meeting their needs, including food, housing, transportation, education, employment, respite care, etc.
• Provide any other additional reasonable services for the prevention of maltreatment and unnecessary foster care as may be needed in order to strengthen a family at risk.
• Provide 24 hour emergency on‑call assistance for assigned families.
• Attend court hearings as required.

Skills / Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related human services field; and at least one (1) year of experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience with domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and knowledge of the child welfare, child development, parenting and social services in Broward County is required.
• Perform individual and family needs assessments. In‑home Direct Services, In‑home parenting training, Crisis and Supportive Counseling.
• Provide referrals for services from collaborative partners. Document services and referrals.
• Must possess excellent organizational and case management skills. Must have the ability to intervene in family and crisis situations and be an advocate in dealing with ChildNet and legal systems.
• Must be fluent in English and have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals or technical procedures written in English; the ability to type reports and business correspondence in English; and the ability to effectively communicate in English.
• Candidate must be computer literate and have the ability to complete documents in Microsoft Word.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the families served in the program.
• Must have transportation and be willing to visit clients in their homes. Valid Florida Driver's License with full access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage (proof of insurance is required).

Notice to Applicants

This position requires background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information about background screening requirements, visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Kids In Distress is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, a Drug Free Workplace and requires drug testing.