Job Description

Family Support Specialist, SafeCare

Requisition #

: req15776

Location:

Washtenaw, Lenawee, Monroe and Jackson Counties

Hours:

Full-time (40 hours/week)

*This position has a significant home visit requirement in Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee and Monroe Counties

(you must live in one of these counties to serve in this role)

*


At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul.


SafeCare is an evidence-based, parent-training program for parents of children ages 0-5 who are at risk for or have been reported for child neglect or physical abuse. SafeCare providers work with families in their homes to improve parents' skills in three areas: (1) parent-infant/child interaction skills, (2) health care skills, and (3) home safety. SafeCare is typically conducted in weekly home visits lasting from 50-90 minutes each. The program is typically provided for about 18 weeks for each family.


The SafeCare Provider is primarily responsible for providing parent and health education with support services, resource referrals, and case management.


This position is expected to function effectively with regular supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide parent and health education, resource and referrals, basic needs support, transportation assistance, and/or other supportive services to families; Maintain current and accurate client records of all home visits, interaction and contact with families/client and file in appropriate client files in a timely manner; Attend all staff meetings, supervision and agency meetings; Report child abuse and/or neglect using stated policies and procedures; Provide successful completion of follow-up activity with client/family; Conducts community outreach in educating parents, professionals, and others about program and agency services, and child abuse prevention awareness; Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed; Must be willing to work a flexible weekday schedule; Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services; Complete other job duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or related field of study from an accredited college; At least one (1) year of prior experience in child development and family services; Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of human services as acquired through a Bachelor's level degree; Bilingual in Spanish required if working with Spanish speaking families; Ability to obtain and maintain certification in SafeCare curriculum administration; Ability to address sensitive issues with families according to service plan implementation; Ability to provide teaching assistance to families on a practical level in life skill areas; Ability to carry out assigned tasks in an organized and timely fashion; Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively and with consistency to multiracial and multicultural group of people; Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite; Ability to recognize the need for professional intervention, to be nonjudgmental, to be motivated to learn from direct experience as well as from training and supervision; Possesses good judgment and reflects professional demeanor; Must maintain a working telephone or other reliable means of communication co- workers can be accessed in case of urgent needs; Maintains familiarity and knowledge of community resources and uses these appropriately to meet needs of families; Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the US to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage; Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries; Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.


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