Family Support Worker (2035)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong and communities are vibrant. Since 1982, Lutheran Services Florida has been providing and sharing solutions to protect Florida's most vulnerable. Today, we are one of the largest nonprofits in Florida touching 1 in 50 Floridians with a wide range of services, including:

• early childhood education
• refugee and immigration
• mental health and substance abuse
• juvenile justice
• child welfare

LSF is looking for Talent Family Support Workers who want to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

Purpose and Impact:

Family Support Workers typically work with at-risk children and teenagers to provide appropriate and effective supervision and transportation of youth to and from placements as well as medical, educational, and other appointments. In addition, Family Support Workers assist the case management team by coordinating and observing parent/child and sibling visitations and providing overall support to case managers.

A day in the life of a Family Support Worker:

• Thoroughly review referrals for supervision/transportation which include the youth's strengths, challenges, behavioral triggers, and personal preferences
• Ensure the safety of youth by following all proper regulations, safety recommendations and procedures each day
• Record information and document incidents as they occur to help keep track of problem behaviors or unsafe conditions
• Document all interactions with youth(s)
• Assist case management through requesting and obtaining records, provider reports, etc.
• Act as a resource when youth need guidance or advice about specific life situations or social issues
• Provide the youth their medication as directed
• Create a safe and caring environment for high-risk youth
• Coordinate medical or other appointments and ensure child is fed properly during supervision
• Maintain secure and safe area(s) where the supervision is being conducted
• Maintain accurate case notes, log entries, and other necessary client records. Immediately notify leadership regarding any incident which occurs involving the safety or well-being of the child(ren).
• The FSW will be given direction, financial resources, and guidance on organizing and conducting outings and structured activities for youth while under supervision
• Provide transportation as needed to facilitate placement or well-being of the child such as medical, dental, social, or educational appointments
• Organize, prioritize, and complete all work assignments by the established deadlines.

All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards:

• Courtesy: Treat customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image.
• Communication Skills: Keep supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential problems. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
• Teamwork: Support the unit, department and/or organization and work with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of the unit, department and/or organization.
• Safety: Employee makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
• Training: Attend and successfully complete all mandated training courses focused on working with children that have experience trauma.
• Confidentiality: Adhere to all confidentiality rules.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours, be flexible to respond to emergencies, be able to travel as needed.
• Valid driver's license and appropriate auto liability insurance required.

Education/Experience:

A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or experience working with high-risk youth is preferred.

Skills:

• One year of experience working with at-risk youth preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
• Strong personal boundaries
• Competent writing and data entry skills
• Patient and compassionate
• Flexible working hours
• Ability to drive both locally and throughout the state in connection with the duties of this position.

Other:

• Must be willing to work irregular hours/shifts

Why Work With LSF?

Ability to Make an Impact in Multiple Areas

LSF offers several programs, spanning across a wide range of populations in need. This gives our team members an opportunity to learn and potentially work in programs outside of their direct area. Either way, members of the LSF family will play a part in transforming the lives of those in need.

Community

A career at LSF means working and learning alongside talented professionals in a dynamic and inclusive environment. The values of our organization - OPEN-MINDED, COMPASSIONATE, GENEROUS, VISIONARY and HONESTY - drives each one of us.

People working at Lutheran Services Florida treat each other like family. Whether you work on the front lines or work in an office, you share a common bond that is felt throughout the organization.

Growth Opportunities

Because of the variety of programs we offer throughout Florida, team members have the option to explore areas of interest in other programs or grow within their existing program/department.

Amazing benefits package including :

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teledoc (24/7 access to doctors via phone and video)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• LifeMart employee discount program (savings on everything from computers to car rentals)
• Additional voluntary benefits:
  • Short-term disability
  • Group life insurance
  • Accident, critical illness/Cancer and hospital policy
  • Legal Shield coverage

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.