Support Specialist

Holy Family Institute; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a well-respected social service organization committed to empowering families and children. In this pivotal role, you will support families in managing emotions and behaviors through the Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program. Your expertise in case management and advocacy will help connect families with essential resources, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families while working within a collaborative environment that values diversity and social justice. If you are passionate about fostering positive change, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ experience working with children with externalizing behaviors.
• Must have Act 33/34 and FBI clearances and valid PA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments to understand family and child needs.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans for children.
• Maintain regular check-ins with clients to monitor progress.

Skills

Case Management

Client Advocacy

Emotional Support

Documentation Skills

Resource Coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online Database Navigation

Job description

Reports to: VP of Inclusive Education Services

Hours: Full Time position – 40 Hours. Allow flexibility in scheduling as required by client needs

MISSION AND NEED: Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 120-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh’s largest social service organizations. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.

General Statement of Duties: Support Specialists in the Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program help children and families build skills to manage emotions and behaviors effectively. They provide case management by coordinating services, offering guidance, and ensuring families have the support they need. They work closely with caregivers and children to reinforce SNAP strategies, connect them to resources, and track progress toward positive outcomes. Their role is essential in helping families apply what they learn in SNAP to real-life situations, creating lasting change.

Case Management and Support:

• Serve as the primary contact for clients enrolled in SNAP;
• Conduct intake assessments to understand family and child needs and goals;
• Develop and implement individualized support plans for children and their primary caregiver(s);
• Maintain regular check-ins with clients to monitor progress and provide guidance

Program Facilitation and Skill Reinforcement:

• Support group sessions by reinforcing SNAP strategies with clients;
• Help caregivers apply SNAP techniques at home and in daily interactions;
• Provide one-on-one support to children and families as needed

Resource Coordination and Advocacy

• Connect families with community resources such as mental health services, education support, and financial assistance;
• Advocate for families within school systems, social services, and other community organizations;
• Help address any barrier to participation in the SNAP program

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, and reports;
• Track progress and outcomes to ensure clients are receiving effective support;
• Collaborate with the SNAP team to evaluate program success and areas for improvements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promotes the Mission and Philosophy of Holy Family Institute
• Participates in all required agency and regulatory trainings within expected time frame .
• Works collaboratively with staff, children, families, service providers, and others.
• Promptly reports civil or criminal convictions, charges, arrests, investigations, or adjudications that may arise since staff member’s last background investigation. This includes but is not limited to sexual abuse in a prison, jail, holding facility, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997), or care provider facility; conviction of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or who was civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in such activity.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• 2-5 years’ experience working with children with externalizing behaviors
• Ability to navigate an online database, Microsoft Office
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have Act 33/34 and FBI clearances and valid PA driver’s license
• Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be “Faithful Listeners” and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that “God is Found in Everyday Activities” we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe “Loving Relationships” means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive, and valued.

Holy Family Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer