Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Family Support Specialist I

Job Title: Family Support Specialist I

Grant Line : TBD

Reports to: Manager of Justice Impact: Family Support Specialist II

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

 

Our Mission

 

Phoenix Youth and Family Services provides safe pathways and strong supports for young people in the Arkansas Delta to navigate historic and systemic inequities in resources, power and opportunity. When youth have what they need to be successful, the entire community can prosper.

We work with youth and their families, local school districts, law enforcement agencies, the court system, local businesses and faith-based groups in rural, southeastern Arkansas to create supportive networks that are rooted in the home communities of the young people we serve.

 

Join Our Purpose

Phoenix Youth and Family Services (Phoenix YFS) is at the forefront of building resilience in underinvested communities in rural Southeast Arkansas. Since its establishment in 1995, Phoenix Youth and Family Services (Phoenix YFS) has been dedicated to creating economic, social, and community development opportunities in Southeast Arkansas. The Department of Labor has recognized our Youth Opportunity program as one of the most innovative service delivery programs, bringing hope and inspiration to thousands of youth.

 

In 2024, Phoenix YFS broadened its mission to include all individuals, regardless of age, who face insecurities in their daily lives. Our primary focus is on vulnerable citizens who aspire to make meaningful social contributions but lack the necessary resources to build a better life. Our goal is to help them achieve this objective in a measurable and meritorious manner.

 

What We Need in a FSS1

 

Mission, Culture and Fit

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must embody the values and mission of Phoenix Youth and Family Services. This includes meeting our clients where they are, demonstrating our values through compassion, understanding and training; and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

 

Attention to Detail

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress in physical and digital files; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing intake and case notes; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details required for compliance metrics provided by funders.

 

Collaboration

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) must collaborate and coordinate with referral programs and local resources to provide support to clients in need of more intensive services. Additionally, this position must collaborate with external service providers where individuals are receiving services to ensure coordinated care and/or wraparound support.

 

Travel Requirements:  This position requires up to 50% travel to client site locations including home, school, detention facility, courts and group counseling sessions.

 

What You Will Do as an FSS1

 

The Family Support Specialist I (FSS1) provides vital support to youth court-assigned to Phoenix Youth and Family Services (PYFS). These clients often face challenges that affect their well-being and success without intervention.

 

The FSS1 conducts assessments, manages crises, provides service referrals, follows up, and conducts home and academic visits. This role primarily supports clients in the Young Adult Reentry Program (YARP) but may also assist clients referred by other programs, law enforcement, or schools.

 

Additionally, the FSS1 coordinates communication among parents, faculty, counselors, law enforcement, and judges. They work collaboratively with local and state systems to support clients' academic and employment success. The FSS1 also builds relationships with community organizations to maintain a database of resources related to basic needs, welfare services, and mental health in the Arkansas Delta.

 

Additional Responsibilities

· Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments for clients.

· Perform general Counseling/Case Management duties, including holding weekly individual sessions with clients, making referrals to community-based resources, and developing client schedules, and client centered treatment plans as needed.

· Assist clients in identifying and prioritizing needs.

· Ensure accurate and timely data entry of all client information into the agency’s database. Provide accurate and timely data and information to be included in PYFS and JJIS reports.

· Monitor participants attendance and compliance with mandate requirements including but not limited to school and social program attendance.

· Serve as an advocate for individual client services.

· Lead and attend case conferences for optimum collaboration among internal programs and external agencies.

· Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations.

· Develop and maintain relationships with all PYFS stakeholders including parole, law enforcement and the presiding court.

· Attend and participate in all necessary PYFS meetings, conferences, and trainings.

· Conduct weekly file audits.

· Provide legal and supportive service referrals and follow-up.

· Assist with health and human service appointments, including employment and educational goals

· Perform other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or President/CEO

· Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development

 

You Must Have

· Reliable transportation and personal vehicle insurance

· Background check and drug screening required

· Experience with at-risk children and families in community settings

· Strong listening skills

· Identify family strengths and promote self-sufficiency

· Emotionally mature with sound judgment

· Ability to handle stress

· Knowledge of community resources

· Successful parenting or childcare experience

· Respect and sensitivity to diverse needs and rights

· Establish trusting relationships with families

 

· Flexible to meet service demands, including evenings and weekends, and respond to emerging family needs

· Effective and concise communication with diverse individuals and groups

· Proficient in planning and prioritizing case work

· Local and regional travel (Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew counties)

· Engage and motivate resistant and hard-to-reach families

· Confident working alone and with families in their homes

· Committed to improving family outcomes

· Build and maintain professional relationships and boundaries

· Maintain excellent work records

· Proficient in using IT systems

· Committed to anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practices

· Effective verbal and written communication skills

· Ability to travel

 

Your Background, Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or licensed in allied health field (Required)

· 2 years' clinical experience or healthcare experience or social work experience (Required)

· Motivational interviewing experience is preferred

· Preferred: Licensed as a Certified Counselor

· Prior Mental Health/Social Work experience

Working Conditions/ Environment and Physical Demands:

· Ability to walk, stand, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, bend repeatedly, grasp, pull, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry under 45 lbs.., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment

· Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment

Technology

• For full-time, occasional, part-time, or hybrid positions: (1) high speed broadband internet service is required, we do not support DSL, wireless, Mifi, Hotspots, Fiber without a modem and Satellite; (2) Internet provider supplied modem/router/gateway is hardwired to the Phoenix YFS issued computer with an ethernet cable; and (3) minimum upload/download speeds of 5Mbps/30Mbps will be required.

Compensation

· The annualized base pay range is primarily based on an analysis of similar positions in the state market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the comparable range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency, and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of the Phoenix YFS total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition.

 

Our Support Package

Our comprehensive support package provides resources and opportunities to help employees thrive and grow. Our benefits reflect our commitment to your health and well-being: medical, vision, and dental coverage with low employee premiums.

 

• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement programs include a 401K employer match and, believe it or not, a pension plan vested after 3 years of service.
• Wellness incentives with a wide range of mental well-being resources for you and your dependents, including counseling services, stress management programs, and mindfulness programs, to name a few.
• Generous paid time off to reenergize.
• Employee recognition program to celebrate anniversaries, team accomplishments, and more.

 

Equal employment opportunity/affirmative action:

Phoenix YFS is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity to all qualified applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

Company Description

At Phoenix Youth and Family Services, Inc., we are passionate about uplifting the community through meaningful social and economic development. Our mission is to create vibrant opportunities for the rural and underserved residents of Southeast Arkansas. We wholeheartedly believe in empowering individuals and families by equipping them with valuable knowledge and leadership skills that drive lasting change.

By collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit partners, we identify innovative solutions and allocate resources effectively to educate our community. Our ultimate goal is to inspire everyone to recognize their incredible strengths and abilities, fostering a sense of empowerment that helps improve their quality of life and overall productivity!

Company Description

At Phoenix Youth and Family Services, Inc., we are passionate about uplifting the community through meaningful social and economic development. Our mission is to create vibrant opportunities for the rural and underserved residents of Southeast Arkansas. We wholeheartedly believe in empowering individuals and families by equipping them with valuable knowledge and leadership skills that drive lasting change.\r\n\r\nBy collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit partners, we identify innovative solutions and allocate resources effectively to educate our community. Our ultimate goal is to inspire everyone to recognize their incredible strengths and abilities, fostering a sense of empowerment that helps improve their quality of life and overall productivity!

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,

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