What does a Family Intervention Specialist do?

Hoosier Families Inc. works with children that have suffered from sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect.

Working in the Child & Family Welfare sector, as a Family Intervention Specialist is simple. There is a four-step process to this position: (1) Developing positive relationships with the families, (2) identifying what their needs are (employment, housing, education, etc.), (3) helping them create goals and objectives, and (4) working with them to accomplish those goals. It’s that simple.

Of course, there are more business and court processes involved in those steps (see below); however, those four steps are the core to being a Family Intervention Specialist.

A successful candidate will possess these qualities:

• A passion to work in an unselfish and life-changing way. Our children and families rely on us.
• Ability to flourish with non-traditional work hours. We are not a 9-5 company.
• Self-Starter & Self-Motivator. We offer ongoing support, without micromanaging.
• Motivation to work that extends beyond a paycheck. A hunger to see our children thrive!
• The desire to grow with the company. Our policy is to promote within.

Job Requirements:

The Family Intervention Specialist should help to safely maintain children in their homes (or foster home); prevent removal of children and/or reentry into foster care; preserve, support, and stabilize families; and promote the well-being of children, youth, and families. Services can also occur in the school, community, or facility. Family Intervention Specialist (FIS) provides any combination of the following kinds of services to the families as approved by DCS:

• Reports directly to the agency Supervisor
• Understands and follows all agency policies and procedures
• Completes Diagnostic, Family, Risk and supplemental Assessments with youth and families as per contract terms
• Assures an effective safety/crisis plan is in place for all identified safety concerns including family strengths and needs
• Develops the Initial Treatment Plan with the DCS/FCM and provider team within the first thirty (30) days of program entry
• Meets with the client or family at least weekly, or more frequently, based on the assessed needs of the client, to review the client’s and family’s progress toward treatment goals
• Coordinates and monitors services for the client and/or family in the community, including but not limited to, mental health, medical, educational, psychological, vocational, and social services
• Participates in administrative and court reviews of the case plan as requested
• Provides in-home supportive services, parenting education, counseling, community resource linkage and referral, advocacy and other social service intervention to families and children
• Assists in family reunification and preservation efforts with all members of the primary family or other permanent plan consistent with the Initial Treatment Service Plan, Progress and Visitation Notes, Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly updates, and Discharge/Termination Summary Reports
• Completes and submit timely Incident Reports and all other required reports, according to agency policy
• Attends weekly supervision meetings and actively participates in the supervision process
• Follows agency procedures for crisis, after-hours, and weekend emergency coverage
• Serves as a positive and effective liaison between Hoosier Families and referring agency caseworkers regarding the family and youth’s services
• Performs other duties as requested

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Criminal Justice.
• Must demonstrate a sincere commitment and ability to advocate for youth and families facing mental health, educational, developmental, and socio-economic challenges
• Must possess a valid driver license and the ability to use private car to transport self and others and must comply with the state policy concerning minimum car insurance coverage.
• Must be able to pass all drug tests and background checks
• Must be available to work evenings (after school hours) and weekends

Note: Social Services/Human Services related degrees include, but are not limited to: Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Child Development, Teaching, etc.

Areas the worker is expected to travel:

Marion County (up to 60-80% traveling within Indianapolis, IN)