Job Information
Gateway-Longview Preventive Services - Family Support Specialist in Buffalo, New York
Job Title: Preventive Services
Department: Preventive Services - Family Support Specialist
Position Summary: The Family Support Specialist will provide person-centered, strength-based, and collaborative case planning services to identified youth and their families that are referred to the School Based Preventive Services program.
Department
Gateway Longview’s Behavioral Health & Preventive Services programs supports children and youth ages birth-21 years struggling with behavioral, social, and emotional challenges.
Agency
Gateway Longview is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Benefits
Gateway Longview takes pride in offering an amazing benefits package to take care of our most important asset- our employees!
We offer medical, dental and vision plan insurance effective the first of the month following hire date, flexible spending accounts, wellness program, employee assistance program, a 403B retirement plan, & several more offers. In addition to receiving up to 11 paid holidays, employees can earn up to 33 days of PTO each year, with the opportunity to start using PTO after hire date.
Compensation
Bachelor's Degree: $21.30 - $23.38 per hour
Master's Degree: $23.10 - $25.18 per hour
- Offers based on education and years of relevant experience
Professional Development Opportunities
Gateway Longview has a strong investment in developing the future leaders of the organization through trainings, advancement opportunities, and a formal leadership pipeline.
Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities:
Meet face to face with assigned caseload of clients at least twice per month in accordance with program expectations.
Work closely with referral sources, school districts, community providers, court, and applicable agency staff to ensure collaborative efforts towards established goals for the identified youth and their families.
Build upon support networks for each youth and their family to ensure adequate and stable supports are in place before discharge to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of the family.
Develop, teach, model, and evaluate effective techniques and interventions with parents/caretakers (i.e. parenting skills, behavior management, and discipline) and youth (i.e. school attendance and academic success, anger management, behavior modification) using motivational interviewing skills and a trauma-informed solution-focused approach.
Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely completion and filing of progress notes, court reports, health/safety assessments, correspondence, and other case-related documentation utilizing CONNECTIONS.
Adhere to program policies and procedures to ensure efficient program delivery.
Actively participate in regular supervision, staff meetings, and required/offered training opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, stakeholders, and other professionals effectively.
Ability to multi-task and be detail-oriented.
Ability to work independently and be an enthusiastic team player.
Available to work non-traditional hours, including weekends and evenings to support specific programmatic schedules, crisis intervention needs, and on-call support.
Ability to provide transportation assistance for the youth and their family as needed.
Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, school personnel, and community resources.
Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competence in addressing the unique needs of diverse youth and their families.
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving organizational and community needs.
Comfort and proficiency with electronic medical records, technology, and data management systems.
Ability to travel to meetings at off-site locations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years in a Human Services discipline. Child welfare and case management experience preferred.
Valid New York State driver’s license and adequate auto insurance
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Human Services discipline
Bilingual – Arabic Speaking
An EEO/AA Agency
We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable human service organization to apply.