Family Support

Description

Position Title

Family Support Worker

Position Summary

The Family Support Worker provides family preservation, reunification, supervised visitation, parenting support, and community-based services to children and families referred by Child and Family Services (CFS). The position focuses on strengthening families, improving parenting skills, reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect, and supporting successful family reunification.

This position requires a high degree of professionalism, flexibility, empathy, and independent judgment while working with families in their homes and throughout the community. Because transportation of clients is an essential function of this position, the Family Support Worker must maintain a valid driver's license and remain eligible to drive under the Recovery Centers of Montana automobile insurance policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Family Support Services

• Establish and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with children and families. 
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with Child and Family Services and supervisory staff. 
• Provide in-home family preservation and prevention services. 
• Assist families during reunification following out-of-home placement. 
• Teach, model, and reinforce healthy parenting skills using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches. 
• Encourage positive parent-child interactions and healthy family relationships. 
• Monitor family progress and adjust interventions as appropriate. 

Supervised Visitation

• Coordinate and facilitate supervised visitation between children and parents. 
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive visitation environment. 
• Observe parent-child interactions and document objective observations. 
• Intervene appropriately when necessary to ensure child safety. 
• Prepare accurate visitation reports according to agency and Child and Family Services requirements. 

Client Advocacy & Case Coordination

• Assist families with scheduling and attending medical appointments, counseling appointments, court appearances, school meetings, and community services. 
• Serve as a liaison between families and community agencies. 
• Connect families with available community resources and support systems. 
• Promote family self-sufficiency through education and resource development. 
• Recognize situations requiring professional intervention and make appropriate referrals. 

Transportation (Essential Function)

• Safely transport clients to and from appointments, supervised visitations, court hearings, treatment services, and other approved activities. 
• Maintain compliance with Recovery Centers of Montana vehicle safety policies. 
• Follow all agency transportation procedures and documentation requirements. 
• Maintain eligibility to operate a vehicle under the organization's automobile insurance policy. 

Documentation

• Complete accurate, objective, and timely documentation of all client contacts. 
• Maintain case notes that reflect observations, interventions, progress, and outcomes. 
• Complete required reports within established timeframes. 
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and state and federal regulations. 

Communication & Team Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, supervision, and required trainings. 
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and Child and Family Services personnel. 
• Respond to client needs according to agency response expectations. 
• Assist with orientation and mentoring of newly hired Family Support Workers. 

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times. 
• Follow all Recovery Centers of Montana policies and procedures. 
• Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diverse family backgrounds. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field; 

OR

• Two (2) years of experience providing direct services to children and families. 

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field. 
• Experience working with Child and Family Services. 
• Experience in family preservation, reunification, or supervised visitation programs. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and family systems. 
• Understanding of child abuse and neglect dynamics. 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to establish rapport with high-risk families. 
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills. 
• Strong organizational and time management abilities. 
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems. 
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems. 

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Montana Driver's License. 
• Acceptable driving record. 
• Must remain eligible for coverage under the Recovery Centers of Montana automobile insurance policy. 
• Background check meeting agency requirements. 

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel throughout assigned service areas. 
• Regular visits with families. 
• Exposure to emotionally challenging situations. 
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and driving. 
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. 

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Drive throughout assigned service areas. 
• Transport clients safely. 
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs. 
• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds. 
• Operate a computer and other office equipment. 

Essential Transportation Requirement

Because transportation of children and families is a core responsibility of this position, maintaining the ability to legally and safely operate a motor vehicle is an essential function of the Family Support Worker position.

Employees must:

• Maintain a valid driver's license. 
• Maintain an acceptable driving record. 
• Be approved to operate vehicles under the Recovery Centers of Montana automobile insurance policy. 
• Maintain personal transportation necessary to perform assigned duties. 

Failure to maintain these requirements may result in the employee being unable to perform the essential functions of the position.

Core Competencies

• Compassion and Empathy 
• Professionalism 
• Accountability 
• Communication 
• Integrity 
• Client Advocacy 
• Teamwork 
• Problem Solving 
• Cultural Awareness 
• Adaptability 
• Safety Focus 
• Documentation Accuracy

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of RCM Integrated Health not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, creed, marital status, political belief, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or as a disabled veteran with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment. Reasonable accommodation, which do not cause undue hardship to the agency, will be afforded to qualified applicants and employees with a disclosed disability.