Family Support Specialist

Join our team and make a difference in your community as a Family Support Specialist with the Child Protective Services unit within the Human Services Department.

We are looking for someone who has the dedication & compassion to provide support, information, and guidance to families. 

The purpose of the Family Support Specialist is to give trauma-informed support services for families receiving Child Protection Services (CPS), including but not limited to supervised visitation, mentoring, transportation, and education.
 

Sauk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We actively encourage protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for our open positions. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, the company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application system as a result of your disability. 

To request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources team at 608-355-4887 or scpersonnel@saukcountywi.gov

 

 

Essential Duties

 

• Evaluate and prioritize requests for service.

• Supervise visitations between parents and their children in settings such as family homes, community settings and the office to monitor safety of the children during visitation. Provides supportive coaching and feedback to family members to enhance the quality of the contact.
• Manage crisis and/or chaotic situations during family interaction.
• Assist in developing and implementing Family Interaction Plans.
• Provide client transportation.
• Conduct unannounced home visits to assist in monitoring in-home safety plans.
• Testify in court when appropriate/necessary, make recommendations regarding client’s needs and risks.
• Evaluate client requests and obtain information for eligibility and then distributes intake information to appropriate units within the Sauk County Department of Human Services.
• Complete supplemental documentation needed for the clients’ services received, including applications, forms, memos, and letters.
• Maintain knowledge of the current Human Services Department and community programs and services.
• Assist CPS families in sustaining and/or obtaining housing and employment.
• Provide and teach strength-based parent education, life skills, establish and educate CPS families about budgets, discipline, age-appropriate parenting, and expectations. 
• Provide guidance and supervision for families including children as directed by the supervisor or designee in his/her absence.
• Advocate for family for needed benefits and services, provide guidance regarding services and referrals.
• Act as a liaison between the Sauk County Human Services Department and the surrounding communities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate case documentation.
• Participate in ongoing training and development. 
• Complete WiSACWIS enrollment and training.
• Participate in statewide advisory committees.
• Assist in placing children in an alternate care setting.
• Knowledge of appropriate car seat requirements and ensure safety of each seat.
• Update resource information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Working Hours
Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Please note these hours are subject to change and additional hours may be needed or required including evening hours and an occasional Saturday and/or Sunday. Compensation for additional hours beyond normal working hours are subject to applicable state and federal regulations.

 

Minimum Training and Education

Required:
Associate degree or two year technical certificate
Minimum of 3 years of related experience  
Direct client service experience

Licenses/Certifications: 
Valid Wisconsin State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.