Position Summary
At Gateway Children’s Services, our family support specialists provide direct support to children and families in the community to promote self-sufficiency and reduce the likelihood of formal system involvement via early intervention, education, and navigation of local resources. The school collaborator specialist partners with school administration to identify need and provide support to students and their families. This position will work closely with families, schools, and other community partners and will need to display initiative and creativity in helping families overcome barriers.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support to Students and Families
· Meet with students and families to develop individual plans to overcome barriers causing chronic absenteeism.
· Find local community resources that families may qualify for, such as scholarships, food banks, employment, or housing programs, and help students and families navigate and connect with these resources.
· Lead educational groups with students and/or families in topics such as parenting skills, emotion regulation, anti-bullying, and leadership.
Community Collaboration
· Collaborate with school principals, counselors, and support staff to identify students who are chronically absent or have other risk factors for formal system involvement.
· Participate in Parent Engagement Meetings, in collaboration with DCBS and school staff.
· Represent the agency at community events, meetings, or activities that promote the mission and services of Gateway Children’s Services.
Documentation
· Complete consistent documentation of activities performed, and services offered in accordance with departmental procedures.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Authorized to work legally in the United States.
- Successful completion of required background screening.
- Successful completion of TB screening or submission of acceptable medical documentation.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous experience working in a youth services, family support, or related environment preferred.
- Medical clearance verifying physical ability to perform job duties, including vision, hearing, communication, and mobility.
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to travel within the state as required. Possibility of working in Powell, Montgomery, Clark, Bath, or Rowan counties.
Organization Summary
Gateway Children’s Services strengthens families, offers recovery resources to those struggling with mental illness or addiction, enhances parenting skills, and fosters happy, nurtured children. Because we affirm the inherent worth of each person, we believe everyone deserves respect, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. As a continuum of care organization, we support children and families through our three departments- residential, foster care, and behavioral health.
Pay: From $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
