Licensed Family Specialist

The Family Specialist provides virtual and in person counseling to Healthy Families Pasco-Hernando participants experiencing mental health concerns.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties of the Family Specialist include but are not limited to:
Key Responsibilities

Direct Services to Families

• Initiate voluntary virtual, psychosocial assessment and counseling services shortly after enrollment or at the request of an FSW during services. A referral to the Family Specialist could also be initiated by the FSW for on-going cases that are proving very difficult and involve major family crisis, addictions, mental health issues, child abuse/neglect and/or domestic violence.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments on referred families to determine strengths, extent of the problems, the families’ readiness to engage in treatment and barriers to intervention.
• Provide ongoing individual, relationship, and family virtual counseling services to overcome the risk factors and improve evidenced-based protective factors.
• Encourage families to accept services beyond the counseling provided by Family Specialist’s, such as prescription psychotropic medication, detox for substance abuse, etc., if needed.
• Follow-up with family and service providers on specialized services.
• Develop and update treatment plans with input from families, FSWs and supervisors to address concerns identified at the initial assessment or during services.
• Work with the family in partnership with the FSW and accompany FSW on home visits, as appropriate.
• Conduct parent support groups, as appropriate.

Consultation and Support to Family Support Workers

• Lead/facilitate staffing’s with all FSWs and supervisors to discuss ongoing challenges and progress of families and to share best practices.
• Work with FSWs and supervisors to review the Home Visiting Service Plan to identify and/or revise activities to address issues from the assessment.
• Review home visiting and supervision records prior to any consultation.
• Provide one-on-one consultation to FSWs, as needed, on how to encourage participants and members of their family to accept the services of the Family Specialist and to offer specific strategies for working with families who are not open to Family Specialist’s services.
• Provide training to FSWs and supervisors on topics such as working with overburdened families, the principles of infant mental health, promoting attachment, recognition of attachment difficulties, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and substance abuse.
• Participate in service planning (Family Goal Plan, Home Visit Service Plan) with FSWs and families served by the Family Specialist.

Documentation and Record-keeping

• Review the initial assessment narrative to determine whether or not the family may require enhanced services.
• Document services provided in the participant’s case file (clinical notes will be maintained in a separate file) using the required forms and submit forms for data entry.

Other Activities

• Participate in supervision meetings between the FSW and the supervisor when discussing families served by both staff.
• Complete required Healthy Families trainings and attend conferences/workshops, in-house trainings, staff meetings, and other staff development activities.
• Participate in monthly or quarterly conference calls to discuss challenges and best practices that address these challenges.
• Attend additional meetings facilitated by the HFF central office, as offered to receive technical assistance and training, and to develop strategies for improving service delivery.
• Maintain positive relationships and creating new relationships with community-based resources to which families are referred.

Knowledge, Skills and Disposition:

The Family Specialist must have:

• Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and neglect
• Understanding of substance use disorders and their effects on family dynamics and parenting capacities
• Knowledge of child development milestones including, social and emotional development, brain development and infant mental health
• Knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other parent-child based therapies.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to HFF participants and their families.
• A strong, professional work ethic including timeliness, attendance, initiative, and a positive attitude.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule when necessary.
• Culturally sensitive practices with a diverse population.
• Willingness to provide counseling services in homes located in high risk areas.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or similar degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed in the state of Florida in Social Work (LCSW), Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) or Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT).
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience providing individual and/or family therapy to those affected by not just mental health issues, but also substance abuse and domestic violence.
• Level 2 background screening (required prior to hire and providing services to families).
• Valid Florida Driver’s License, reliable automobile and proof of current auto insurance.

Additional Qualifications Preferred:

• Experience conducting home visits with high-risk families
• Fluency in Spanish

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance
• Flexible Schedule
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Vision Insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Virtual visits via GoToMeeting video chat and phone; staggered and limited office time; PPE items provided include face masks, gloves, booties, hand sanitizer, touchless temperature checks, disinfectant spray and wipes.

Contract Renewal:

• Likely

Full Time Opportunity:

• Yes

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

Company’s website:

• www.pascokidsfirst.org

Company’s Facebook page:

• @pascokidsfirst, @healthyfamiliespascohernando

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply

Work Remotely:

• Temporarily due to COVID-19