FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Starting rate: $22 per hour

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Family Engagement Specialist operates within a team of professionals who deliver services to consumers of BestSelf Behavioral Health's Family Engagement Team. Services provided include outreach, engagement, mediation, service linkage and crisis interventions to transition aged youth who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and their families of choice. Assesses client's ability to achieve stability in their home, capacity for independent community living, formulates individual service plans, and works to effectively broker, link, and monitor client participation in needed services. Develops effective formal and informal support networks. Provide outreach services to effectively assist in targeted outcomes. Operates at a high level of independence and responsibility under supervision of the Outreach Team Leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform outreach, engagement, intake, assessment and service linkage activities.
• Participates in case follow up and discharge planning.
• Works as a member of a multidisciplinary team and with the client and their families to develop/enhance independent living skills, effective interpersonal communications, advocacy and negotiating skills in order to achieve client goals and objectives.
• Works to develop and maintain support networks including family, significant others/gatekeepers and other service providers.
• Intervene in crisis or pre-crisis situations to limit and contain problems.
• May work with individuals harmful to themselves or others.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends as needed
• Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the clients we serve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledgeable of the dynamics of youth homelessness.
• Knowledge of common mental disabilities and substance use disorder.
• Knowledge of basic theories of human behavior and principles of psychiatric rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of human service/community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports in accordance with agency requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and related service systems.
• Ability to problem solve effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related human service field, PLUS two relevant direct service experience

OR

• Associates degree in behavioral health or human service field and three (3) years relevant experience
• Bi-lingual Spanish preferred, but not required.

AND

• A valid NYS drivers' license.
• Automobile in good working order.
• Must have Accredited NYS Defensive driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire.
• Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration.
• If driving one's own vehicle, must maintain valid inspection and automobile insurance.
• Must provide proof of insurance upon hire and when requested.