What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Engagement Specialist position at Waupaca County?
This position compassionately serves as a member of the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) working within a partnership between the DHHS and the Iola-Scandinavia, Manawa, Marion, and Weyauwega-Fremont School Districts. The primary function of this position is to provide for engagement with families and students that typically do not fall within the statutory and administrative rule criteria that governs most DHHS service areas, but are identified by partner school staff as demonstrating a need for assistance and a helping intervention. This position uses a strength based, family centered, and Trauma Informed Care model of engagement with an emphasis on assisting families and students to overcome identified needs through direct engagement and/or the linking of community based services.
As a secondary, but equally important function, this position builds and maintains a strong partnership relationship between the school districts of Iola, Manawa, Marion, and Weyauwega and the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services.
This position works under the direct supervision of the Family and Community Services Manager at the DHHS.
Provides a timely response to referrals and requests from partner school districts for family and student assistance.
Provides assessment of family and student needs, provides direct ongoing engagement with the family and/or student as may be determined, or provides linkages to appropriate community services.
Participates in the development of critical situation and crisis plans as may be appropriate.
Provides referrals to community based services as may be determined to be beneficial to the family or student. This includes referrals and linkages to other services provided by the DHHS.
Provides regular one-on-one engagement with students as needed to address issues that affect their attendance, performance, behavior, and socialization in school.
Provides ongoing communication and support to families and students to assist with addressing and meeting ongoing needs.
Provides informational sessions to groups of students as may be determined by the partner districts to be beneficial to students within their district. Those informational sessions may relate to such things as addiction, suicide, bullying, etc.
Assists teachers and administrators with understanding the underlying causes of student behavioral and attendance issues and working to establish realistic strategies to respond to the identifiable issues.
Work in partnership with other service areas of the DHHS to attempt to meet the needs of students and families.
Responsible to assist in setting up student centered wraparound teams when determined appropriate and within resources available.
Provide appropriate and timely communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and other DHHS staff.
Maintaining case files as needed.
Participates in required time reporting
Participates in Targeted Case Management billing when appropriate
Attends staff meetings and trainings as directed.
PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs other duties as assigned by the DHHS Manager.
EDUCATION: A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in a human services-related field. Masters Degree in Social Work preferred. Certified Social Worker credential a plus.
EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two years of experience working with at risk children and/or families in a social/human services agency or school district.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of child development- Knowledge of family systems
- Knowledge of the effects of trauma on children and families.
- Knowledge (General) of Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 48, 118, and 938
- Knowledge of children’s mental health issues.
- Knowledge of community resources and how to access
- Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must have available transportation to perform on-site responsibilities.