JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Family Support Specialist

Department: FsACE

Location: Region Dependent

Report to: FsACE Regional Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/Hourly

Employment Status: Full-Time

Date Created: 11/08/2016

Date Reviewed: 07/09/2020

Summary/Objective

Under the direction of the FsACE Regional Manager, Family Support Specialist is responsible for conducting and implementing outreach initiatives in the assigned region; and identifies families/individuals within the service delivery area in order to provide case management and other services that will help the customer reach self-sufficiency. The Family Support Specialist will also be responsible for coordinating the development of external resources to meet customer needs, along with assisting in the implementation of neighborhood forums and community needs assessments as well as any regional or county-wide events as needed. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent CEDA in a variety of capacities. Must demonstrate good judgment, an ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem solving skills, an ability to handle multiple tasks, an ability to be self-motivated and well organized, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Essential Functions

• Conducts outreach within the assigned region to recruit and enroll families and individuals in FsACE service programs.
• Implements assigned FsACE work programs as written to ensure achievement of objectives and outcomes.
• Assists in program recruitment, conducts intake, case manage all families and individuals as required; and maintains case files by utilizing the appropriate tracking methods to report activity, including DCA Tracking Logs and checkbooks.
• Enters and ensures accuracy of all data entered into FsACE databases, conduct follow-up per work program instructions.
• Creates and maintains case files ensuring audit-ready.
• Assist in conducting community needs assessments and client satisfaction surveys for program planning.
• Identifies internal and external linkages for referrals for additional services as needed.
• Prepares weekly service reports and other reports that correspond to job responsibilities.
• Participates in regular staffing meetings and trainings as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to plan and manage work flow.
• Solid case management and case noting skills.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak and write effectively and professionally.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in self-sufficiency programs.
• Ability to relate to professional personnel and clients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Attention to detail and timeliness in meeting deadlines.
• Self-motivated, have initiative and the ability to work under minimal supervision at times.

• Computer literate; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment/Travel

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in an office environment that is quiet to moderately loud, depending on the work area. Some local, county, or state travel may be required, including overnight stays. Employee is required to sit, use hands, stand, stoop, walk, talk, and listen while performing duties. General office equipment including personal computers, scanners, copiers, faxes, desk- and smartphones, and software programs. Occasional travel of distance may be required, especially suburban Cook County. Other travel of distance may be required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing/vision.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

It is an administrative support level position requiring the exercise of discretion and independent judgment and is required to work a full time work week, as designated by the CEDA Employee Handbook, with periodic longer hours, including potential evenings, weekends, and odd hours.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college of university, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience in community and direct service work preferred.
• Ability to handle high levels case management and case noting skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience working with low-income diverse populations.
• Must possess and maintain an applicable Illinois Driver’s License and Auto Insurance that meets the State requirements.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in the Spanish language (written and verbal) preferred.

AAP/EEO Statement
CEDA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CEDA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Must possess and maintain an applicable Illinois Driver License and Auto Insurance that meets the State requirement.

CEDA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CEDA’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

ADA Statement

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.