Brief Strategic Family Therapy Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Brief Strategic Family Therapy Specialist (BSFTS) facilitates and implements direct services and engagement to families and children between 6-17 years of age experiencing Mental Health and/or Behavior issues that impact the family structure and put them at risk for a removal episode. The BSFTS engages the families by providing in-home strength-based and solution-focused services aimed at restoring families and improving their function. The BSFTS works closely with all family members to create a system of positive interactions. Kids Central Inc. serves Circuit 5 consisting of five counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. All staff must be able to work in any of the five counties we support and serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides case management and family preservation services to families with problems of emergency or crisis nature.
• Respond to referrals in accordance with timeframes in the contract.
• Responsible for assessing risk and safety of the children served
• Work with families to identify goals and develop a plan to complete the goals.
• Connects family with all needed services within the community.
• Follows up and obtains information and recommendations from all providers working with the family.
• Plans and facilitates Family Sessions as needed and appropriate.
• Completes all appropriate documentation for each family.
• Monitors child and family progress in the implementation and execution of the Treatment Plan.
• Communicates with the BSFT Supervisor (as appropriate) about changes and/or concerns regarding families.
• Follow all program policies and procedures to ensure the protection and safety of children in the program’s care.
• Maintain case records for all families and input services provided and assessments into FSFN.
• Must be willing and able to work evening hours and deal with emergency situations.
• Must be able to work independently and be able to manage time appropriately.
• May be called to testify in court.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

Master’s degree in social work or related human services field with three years’ experience in child welfare or a related human services field. Child Protection Professional Certification-preferred. Certification opportunities available.

Other Requirements

Ability to successfully clear a Level II Background Screen as required by Florida Statute and DCF.

Possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier.

Must meet eligibility to transport clients, including 100,000/300,000 Liability Insurance, possess an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to meet Kids Central Organizational Required Competency standards
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Small group meeting management
• Elevated knowledge of community services
• Proficiency in FSFN (Florida’s Safe Family Network)
• Ability to work effectively under high stress situations
• Training in abuse and neglect of children
• Competence in identifying risk and safety
• Ability to meet professional writing standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook).
• Ability to travel (65% of time or more).
• Efficient time management and scheduling.
• Ability to work independently.

This list of functions is not intended to be exhaustive. Kids Central reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally in the field or office environment, but may also be required to visit other settings such as a client’s home, court, or other agencies. The noise level is usually moderate.

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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must also frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to bend/stoop and kneel. Repetitive motion is also required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.