Continuous Family Support Specialist

CLASS SUMMARY
The Family Support Specialist I works under general supervision and is
responsible for determining family eligibility for services, performing case
management duties and maintaining client records. This position is governed by
state and federal laws and agency policy.


EXAMPLES OF WORK
1.  Interviews clients to obtain information necessary to determine
  eligibility, to inform clients/families of laws or regulations governing
  program assistance, and to discuss client rights and responsibilities.

2.  Administers and scores basic education tests to determine client interests
  and barriers to employment, and to determine approximate level of
  educational ability.

3.  Reviews and verifies client information through field investigations and
  record/computer searches of various sources.

4.  Determines client needs and assistance eligibility for single or multiple
  programs by reviewing obtained information, screening applications, and
  calculating eligibility amounts based upon established formulas.

5.  Provides motivational counseling to families in developing plans and
  strategies to maximize family's economic self sufficiency, and assists
  families in overcoming identified employment barriers through development
  of employability plans.

6.  Gathers, analyzes, organizes, and enters information approved by
  supervisor into agency computer systems in order to record actions, make
  required changes, and authorize client-specific services.

7.  Determines scope/extent of available community resources and assists
  families in obtaining available services.

8.  Creates, documents, and maintains complete case records for each client
  and maintains systems of monitoring and tracking case activities.

9.  Performs related responsibilities as required or assigned.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Family Support Specialist I has regular contact with clients,
agency/institution personnel, local communities, colleges and
vocational/technical schools, private organizations, and the general public.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS
Occasional in-state travel is required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge of human service assistance programs and resources.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of career planning and placement.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines in 
  determining eligibility for assistance programs.
Ability to develop and monitor the effectiveness of programs and services for 
  clients.
Ability to interview and obtain information.
Ability to prepare oral and written information and reports.
Ability to prepare household budgets.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology,
sociology, social work, general business, or a related field.