Families First Specialist

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

The Families First Specialist is primarily responsible for providing in-home case management services to a small caseload of high-risk families exposed to abuse and neglect. This individual is also responsible for focusing on clients’ strengths, monitoring safety, timely report writing and working effectively as a member of the team.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

This position will provide coverage to Cass, Van Buren, and St Joseph counties.

• Provide strength based case management services in the client�s home or neutral setting as defined by program expectations and guidelines;
  
• Ensure the child�s safety while in care;
  
• Driving to clients' homes and providing transportation to clients as needed for appointments and other needs;
  
• Willing and able to be available to clients as necessary along with some potential evenings, weekends, and Holidays, while arranging coverage when needed;
  
• Be involved in regular meetings with team members, referring workers and others as required;
  
• Create and submit service plans, as well as progress and termination reports in accordance with the Program's timebound requirements;
  
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
  
• Complete other duties as assigned.
  

• Bachelor�s degree in the field of human services or education, or must have at least two years� experience working with children and/or families and an associate degree or the equivalent (60 credit hours) in human services or education and be actively working towards a bachelor�s degree in human services or education to be completed within one year of hire.
  
• Prior work experience in child and family welfare or in-home case management services;
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  
• Demonstrates excellent assessment, therapeutic and crisis intervention skills;
  
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
  
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
  
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
  
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
  
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
  
• Must be able and willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the services needs of the program;
  
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
  
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver�s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
  
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
  
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.
  

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