FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST - BEXAR - HYBRID

The candidate must reside within the following county(s) within Region 8: Bexar, Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Frio, La Salle, Atascosa, Wilson, Karnes, Victoria, De Witt, Lavaca, Calhoun, Jackson, Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Maverick, Zavala and Dimmit County. PRIMARY FUNCTION/RESPONSIBILTY All families with a child who has been removed from the home are assessed by Family Engagement staff to determine whether the Family Group Decision Making Model is the most appropriate and safe mode for developing the service plan. Although this is classified as a Hybrid position, there will still be required traveling 95% of the time. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contact the parent(s) and/or other family members who are referred to a family conference to explain the purpose and process of the family conference Determine whether the parent or other family members agree with the terms and conditions of the conference and who may attend the conference Coordinate logistics of meeting to consider transportation and childcare needs; language preferences, accommodations needed for physical/developmental disabilities, safety, neutral meeting location When required, assists the family with documenting their plan Travel is required for this position, up to 95% of the work week. Completes and maintains the referral and family group conference contacts in IMPACT Maintain other records of the family group conference process as required by Belong policies respond to requests for presentations and training from internal and external stakeholders maintain current knowledge of the FGDM process and practices; and develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and resource providers. Trains and develops agency personnel on the family group conference process. In-person meetings may be required in some areas to better meet the needs of the families and comply with standing court orders. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Knowledge of child development. Knowledge of family dynamics. Skill in effective verbal and written communication. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill in problem solving techniques. Ability to operate a personal computer. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, social work, health, psychology, or related field. 3 years’ experience working with families and young children. Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Valid Texas Driver’s License, good driving record, ability to provide own transportation and proof of current automobile insurance. CPR/First Aid Certification (agency will provide). PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION Body mobility to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, and walk and walk briskly to interact with and monitor children. Stamina to work long days and drive long distances. Ability to work at various times throughout the week to include some evenings and weekends. Must have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing. Environment requires dexterity to remain calm and adapt to fast paced and emotional environments consisting of children with moderate to severe emotional and psychological needs. Possible injury when lifting or moving (child or objects) if employee fails to use proper body mechanics, or if proper techniques are not used when the use of SAMA containment techniques are required. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT Home-like settings with varying moderate to high degrees of background noise. Frequent exposure to various living environments. Campuses are smoke-free, except on permitted campuses in designated areas. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP/REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Supervised by: Family Engagement Supervisor Supervises: N/A