Job Title:            Family Contact Specialist

Department:    Child and Family Services Department (CFSD)

Reports To:      Program Manager

Supervises:      None

FLSA Status:     Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:       N4

Job Type:          Full-Time Regular

AKBCU:            Yes       ICPA:    Yes

General Functions:

The Family Contact Specialist provides supervision at a prescribed level in a safe and supported environment to children/youth and their parent(s)/family members who have been referred to CITC’s Family Contact Program from the Office of Children’s Services (OCS).  The Family Contact Specialist is responsible for scheduling and coordinating contact times between children in out of home placements, foster parents, biological parents, extended family members, and other permitted persons. During these contacts the Specialist provides supervision of the visit and parent coaching. 

Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Obtain required information by interviewing participants; reviewing Family Contact Plan, completing relevant assessments and tools.
• Coordinate family contact services by communicating with the visiting parent, foster parent, OCS, Tribal ICWA workers and other legal parties; provide transportation to participants as needed to access services.
• Support Family Case Plans by establishing behaviorally specific, short-term and measurable goals to improve child well-being and adjustment.
• Provide structure for Family Contact by managing interactions at the prescribed level of supervision to ensure contact is safe and appropriate.
• Foster participant’s skill development by observing patterns of behavior; explaining and pointing out new options and demonstrating and practicing new skills as necessary.
• Maintain case records by documenting participant’s situation and participant’s own actions in an objective manner in observation reports and other required documentation.
• Maintain organization compliance by submitting monthly, quarterly, and annual statistical reports, including a time study report.
• Maintain operations by following policies and procedures; participating in quality reviews; reporting needed changes.
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Maintain participant confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Provide accurate and timely verbal and written feedback, as authorized to release, to participants and OCS staff, ICWA Workers and other pertinent legal parties.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

Job Specifications: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple activities.
• Strong understanding of child development and parent education.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.

Minimum Core Competencies: CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis. 
• Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory report from a state and federal background check. 
• Valid Alaska driver’s license and insurable under CITC’s automotive insurance, which requires a driver to be at least 21 years of age and have had a driver’s license for at least three years.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job.  It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job.  Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.