Family Support Specialist – Temporary

Mental Health America of the MidSouth

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Job Summary

Mental Health America of the MidSouth (MHA) is a 75-year-old mainstay that provides an array of trainings, programs, and advocacy work to promote mental health and emotional wellness. This Nashville-based affiliate is the largest Mental Health America affiliate in the South. Programs focus on suicide prevention, anti-bullying in schools, multicultural outreach, support for Alzheimer’s caregivers, mental health screenings, workplace wellness, and more.

MHA’s Multicultural Outreach Program is hiring a Family Support Specialist, who will provide Home Study (HS) and Post Release Services (PRS) for Unaccompanied Children (UC). UCs are minors in the United States who may not have parents or guardians, and who may be living with sponsors. This position will report to the Regional Supervisor. This position is funded through December 2021.

ONLY candidates who are fluent in Spanish will be considered. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work or a similar field.

Job Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct time-sensitive and thorough home study assessments for potential placements for UC, including background interviews, home assessment, and case analysis.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate post placement services and comprehensive case management for UC;
• Carry a case minimum caseload of 25 PRS cases, or at least 3 home studies with 20 PRS cases;
• Conduct brief interventions to help families address crises and manage conflict, as needed;
• Complete individualized needs assessments with UC and sponsor, and develop case plans with particular attention to culture, language, and special circumstances;
• Maintain a high standard of record-keeping according to USCRI and the US Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) policies and procedures.  
• Provide information, education, referrals, outreach, advocacy, and support to ensure that each child receives the services they require;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices through phone/video calls, interviews, and home visits;
• Build a network of local pro bono legal resources and service providers to facilitate access for UC and sponsors, and track individual progress;
• Coordinate and maintain communication with key stakeholders;
• Participate in regular training and communication sessions with supervisor and headquarters staff; and 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s). 

Qualifications

ONLY candidates who are fluent in Spanish will be considered. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work or a similar field.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to Jackie Cavnar at jcavnar@mhamidsouth.org. No phone calls please.

Details

• Date Posted: April 13, 2021
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 05/03/2021
• Working Hours: 37.5/wk; M-F