Family Support Program Specialist- Full-Time

Location: Fairview Heights, IL
Description
The Family Support Program Specialist will be primarily responsible for providing services to youth enrolled in the Family Support Program (FSP). The goal of the FSP is to support eligible youth and their families by strengthening family stability, improving clinical outcomes, and promoting community-based services. Coverage areas include St Clair, Clinton, Randolph, Washington, Monroe and Perry Counties (DSA 2) 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Responsible for networking with collaterals on behalf of active clients, including: referral and linkage, discharge planning with in-patient psychiatric facilities, and the advocacy of a client’s rights within the education, legal, state and mental health systems. This includes responsibility for coordinating services the youth may benefit from.

· Responsible for working with families to access FSP covered services. Providing linkage to community mental health services, alternative community services, and residential treatment when it is determined to be medically necessary.

· Available to help families with obtaining, completing and submitting the FSP application. Assisting parents in gathering information to complete the application process for the FSP program and answering questions about the process.

· Responsible for working with families who are referred to the Specialized Family Support Program (SFSP) a 90-day program of crisis stabilization, community mental health, and assessment of services. This includes identifying behavioral health needs of youth at risk of custody of relinquishment, completing of an SFSP assessment report and to link those youth to the most appropriate clinical services.

· Responsible for maintaining relationships with referral sources/ other partners to develop community connections.

· Responsible for facilitation of quarterly meetings with all identified service providers and networks to strengthen relationships and coordination of services. 

· Responsible for maintaining an accurate Community Resource Directory

· Communicate effectively within a team environment to meet the needs of those experiencing behavioral health crises

· Complete screenings, assessments, and other necessary clinical documentation.

· Maintain compliance with COA and other regulatory agency requirements.

· Ensure that all documentation is completed timely and accurately.

· Completes other duties as assigned.

CARE & TCI 

One of the essential job functions of any position within the agency is to align your performance with our overarching philosophy of CARE. All decisions, actions, communication, and performance should align with the six CARE principles (Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed). Not only must you complete the CARE training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.  

Every employee must also pass TCI training with a satisfactory grade in written and/or physical testing. All employees must remain current on refresher training that is provided monthly at all locations. You will be tested every 6 months on the physical portion, if applicable to your position. You will be tested annually on the written portion regardless of your position. If you are not current on your TCI refresher training every six months, you will be required to retake the full course. If you do not pass either test, you may be required to retake the full course. Not only must you complete the TCI training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, Copy Machine, Calculator, Smart Phone, Fax Machine and Telephone

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency Options: Occasional: 0 – 15% of time; Frequent: 16 – 50% of time; Constant: Over 51% of time

Occasional – Exposure to noise, Exposure to heights, Exposure to temperature above 80 degrees, Exposure to chemicals, Exposure to hazards, Exposure to dust, Carrying approximately 10 feet, Pushing approximately 5 pounds, Lifting approximately 5 pounds, Climbing approximately 15 – 20 steps, Bending, Squatting, Kneeling and Physical Restraints.

Frequent – Walking approximately 100 feet and Standing 

Constant – Working alone or independently

Requirements
SKILLS and ABILITIES
 

• Strong  organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Excellent engagement skills.

· Willingness and ability to flex schedule as program needs change.

• Skills in providing diagnostic, preventive, and/or therapeutic services to individuals.

· Must possess the knowledge, personal qualities and practice skills to work effectively with professionals in other organizations and from other disciplines and to provide services in a manner that reflects understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE