Family Support Specialist – Justice Services

Family Support Specialist

Non-Exempt

Full-Time; 40 hours per week

$23/hr + $1/hr bilingual incentive upon passing certification

Bilingual Preferred

REQUIRES FLEXIBLE HOURS

 OVERVIEW:

This position falls within the Case Manager job classification. Reports to the Justice Services Program Manager and constitutes a member of the Justice Services team. Provides trauma informed, client centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate advocacy, case management and supportive services for vulnerable youth and families at risk of involvement with the justice system, focusing on strengthening family dynamics, increasing protective factors, and connecting families to supportive services. This role will require a dynamic, empathetic, and organized individual who can navigate multiple systems (juvenile justice, child welfare, education, mental health, and substance use) and build trusting relationships with families, community partners, and service providers. This candidate will also develop and offer training opportunities for families, school district staff, law enforcement staff, and other community supports as needed on topics such as Conflict Resolution techniques, Circle Keeping, Somatic Stress Relief, Motivational Interviewing techniques, Parenting supports, Psychoeducation etc.

DUTIES:

• Conduct in-person intake and assessments and provide comprehensive case management and support to clients
• Coordinate referrals and linkages to other community resources
• Provide or facilitate client transportation to and from appointments
• Serve as liaison with community partners and volunteers
• Complete and submit timely documentation on each required service according to contract and/or program requirements
• Develop a goal-oriented care plan, monitor client’s response to interventions and update or modify plans as needed.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups for clients
• Coordinate and attend community outreach events
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with public and private community agencies
• Facilitate presentations for communities and partners
• Assigned to both Interface and partner work sites
• Provide case management to families with at-risk youth, developing action plans to address key issues such as truancy, behavioral concerns, and legal involvement
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with school administrators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, probation officers, and other stakeholders
• Advocate for youth and families within various systems to ensure equitable access to services and support
• Implement and facilitate evidence-based programming tailored to youth and family needs
• Coordinate and attend multidisciplinary team meetings and community resource meetings related to family and youth support
• Identify and connect families to basic needs (housing, food, clothing), education support, counseling services, and other community resources
• Maintain up-to-date and geographically specific resource binders and referral networks
• Develop and implement strategies to engage families and caregivers effectively and respectfully
• Plan and support special events, trainings, and family engagement activities
• Stay current on school policies (including SARB – School Attendance Review Board processes) and youth-related legal and social service systems
• Participate in regular staff meetings, training sessions, and relevant professional development opportunities
• Provides training and support for the CM I and II team members
• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree or 2 years equivalent work/volunteer/relevant lived experience. Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. A minimum of 2 years’ experience providing case management to the target population, or a similar group is required. Relevant lived experience with system impacted families: juvenile justice, child welfare, education, mental health, and substance use is highly valued and encouraged. Requires a seasoned care coordinator, able to work with minimal supervision and able to handle a variety of client related situations. Must be sensitive and competent to serve clients from diverse cultures and languages. Must possess ability to handle emergency/crisis situations, as well as strong decision making, case management, conflict resolution, leadership and excellent time management skills. Must be comfortable and proficient in using electronic health record (EHR) systems for data entry. Must be able to prioritize tasks, organize thoughts and communicate well both verbally and in writing. Requires ability to collaborate with agency staff and community partners while demonstrating exemplary customer service. Must be computer literate with Microsoft Office and the internet. Must be familiar with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.

Relevant lived experience with the criminal justice system is preferred. This includes the personal insights and knowledge gained through direct involvement with the justice system, such as experiences with incarceration, probation, legal challenges, and the broader social and systemic impacts of justice involvement that has developed through at least a 5-year period of post-experience reflection. Demonstrated ability to maintain strong professional boundaries with clients and consistently work in a client-centered, trauma-informed, and ethical manner required.

Successful background and criminal clearance required and maintained, including but not limited to California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, Child Abuse Index and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA). Proof of a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance (listed as covered), pass and maintain driving approval as required by our insurer.