Family Support Specialist

Salary: $20.55- $24.83 (GS.7) LIHEAP Grant Funded

Work Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (EST)
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*

Work Location: 6098 Debra Road

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.

Department: Community Development- Office of Family Empowerment

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:  

A Family Support Specialist helps families experiencing poverty to change their lives and improve their economic security, by providing Family Coaching and case management, as well as short-term financial assistance with housing and utility bills.  An FSS provides assistance for families by determining what type of aid they need in consultation with the family, developing a family goal plan as-appropriate, and providing coaching, expert advice, and relational support for families’ goals.  An FSS provides financial assistance as-appropriate within the guidelines of assistance grants, including CSBG.  An FSS researches services available to clients and coordinates services provided to clients, and assists clients with completing paperwork to apply for assistance programs.

SERIES LEVEL: 

This is a stand-alone position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. FSS(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Interviews and counsels clients requesting assistance from the Office of Family Empowerment to determine the nature and degree of their challenges.  

Secures all information necessary to evaluate factors contributing to the client's situation.  Evaluates contributing factors along with client's strengths and resources.  

Determines eligibility for services and appropriate services to be rendered; develops a service plan in conjunction with the client to address the challenges identified.  

Assists clients with completing applications and related documentation.  

Processes application and documentation, and provides financial assistance as-appropriate.  

Learns and correctly applies all grant guidelines and Office policies and procedures in processing assistance requests and completing work with clients. 

Compiles and maintains client records. 

Refers clients to community resources and other organizations.  

Provides ongoing coaching and case management to clients enrolled in programming and coordinates with community partners and volunteer mentors to support client success.  

Provides ongoing support for client’s goal plan, and supports client in making strong progress toward their goals within the program eligibility period.  

Assists family to live the lives they want and achieve greater economic security

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any):

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Associates Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, or Social Work, supplemented by two (2) years' experience working with clients in similar situations, or four (4) years equivalent education, experience/training sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of this job will be considered.  Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology or Social Work preferred, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.  

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of Social Work pri