Family Support Specialist/Transportation (Dallas)

Position Summary This position functions as an assistant to Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) case managers and case manager supervisors in providing human services to TFCN clients, including transportation and documentation of services provided. It may also include supervising visitations between parents and children, ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include safety, food, hygiene, education, and entertainment/recreational activities. Responsibilities of this role also involves various clerical functions. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule. Responsibilities Support/Service Delivery + Successfully assists TFCN Case Managers in providing human services to TFCN clients. + Works well interdepartmentally and provides support and good customer service to clients, peers, DFPS staff, representatives from various organizations, and Texas Family Care Network/Pressley Ridge staff, and the general public. + Uses tools provided and training to determine the child and/or parent's needs and makes appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or other assessments. + Research solutions to technical or service\-related issues and seeks guidance from mentors. Follows up with everyone concerned to inform them of the solution or to provide an update on how the problem is being addressed and handled. + Learns the background of the family and child/youth on each case to strategize how best to support them. + Ensures needs of parents and children are met while at their temporary placement. + Observes and/or supervises visitations between parents and children. + Provides transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by TFCN intake/placement specialist, case managers and/or case manager supervisor. + Maintains out\-going paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by TFCN intake/placement specialists, case managers and/or case management supervisors. + Attends and actively participates in court hearings about the child and family. + Testifies in court regarding the child's needs, the family's progress, and the efforts of Texas Family Care Network to achieve permanency for the child. + Participates in on\-call rotation and duties by responding to on\-call notifications and phone calls accordingly. + Effectively uses work Outlook Calendar as instructed by supervisor/director to reflect daily and weekly tasks. + Independently assess and prioritize tasks to manage time. + Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties (i.e., typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, relaying messages, etc.). + Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or director. Quality Improvement + Offers new ideas and/or ways to streamline processes to better serve communities and the organization overall. Communication + Responds to clients, supervisors, staff in a timely manner. + Keeps caregivers and foster parents informed of developments. + Contacts all parties in the case before the hearings. + Makes certain the family is aware of how to access assistance outside of normal business hours. + Establishes and maintains appropriate rapport with all clients, families, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization. Growth + Assures continuous professional growth and development by: Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings. Attends and participates in all required and other professional trainings. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth. Supervision + Receive supervision. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters. Leadership + Provides solution focused input, is positive, supportive, respectful and engaged with the team. + Acknowledges and values the contribution of team members. + Is resourceful and embraces tactical creativity to overcome challenging tasks and difficult situations. + Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work\-related contacts. Community Engagement + Works collaboratively with other systems (education, health, and justice systems) to improve outcomes for the child/youth and family. + Interacts with children, clients, families, and communities in a way that reflects commitment from the organization to create and maintain a strong collaborative relationship. Documentation + Ensures accuracy and timeliness of data entered into systems, ensure that all relevant information exists in their records (e.g. client, family, employee, billing, etc.). + Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into CoBris, IMPACT and other technology/case management systems. + Prepares court reports in a timely manner. Finance/Budget + Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation. + Adheres to deadlines for expense reports. Risk Management and Safety + Complies and adheres to the professional and ethical standards of conduct established. the organization. + Assures all policies, procedures, and standards relating to child safety and well\-being are followed. + Adheres to mandated child abuse reporting laws. + Follows policies and procedures relating to responding to and handling a crisis situation. + Completes online learning and policy acknowledgements by due date. Qualifications Education/Credentials/Licensure: + High school diploma or equivalent required. + Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record. + Reliable transportation and current auto insurance. Experience: + One (1\) year experience of working in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or DFPS or thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university. Clearances: + DPS + DFPS + FBI + CBCU Eligibility Determination + Child Abuse Clearance Working Conditions Physical Demands + This position requires operating a keypad device 20% of the day and electronic/office equipment 20% of the day. Frequent travel in and out of the state of Texas may be required daily along with travel by plane and may include travel in weather conditions \- 80%. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 50% of the day. Standing occurs 50% of the day. Sitting happens 75% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts under 50 pounds. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Mental Demands + Occasionally needs to make quick decisions and concentrate. Seldomly performs multiple tasks, handles a diversity of problems, and distractions that interfere. Environmental Factors + Environmental factors require this position in community, residence, office, and in\-home. Working Hours + This position works a non\-traditional schedule that can vary based on client and department needs. + Participates in the on\-call rotation. #### Experience Required 1 year(s): Experience of working in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or with DFPS OR thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university. #### Education Required* High School or better Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.