Family Support Partner I

Job Description

Job Description

Family Support Partner I

Position Summary

The Family Support Partner I provides supportive, family-centered services to children, parents, caregivers, and families involved with the Department of Social Services. The position works collaboratively with families to identify strengths and needs, connect families with appropriate community resources, promote family stability, and support positive outcomes for children and caregivers.

The Family Support Partner I uses a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and compliance with DSS policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, parents, caregivers, and families.
• Provide encouragement, guidance, advocacy, and practical support to families experiencing challenges.
• Help families identify their strengths, goals, resources, and areas where additional assistance is needed.
• Connect families with community resources, including housing, food assistance, employment services, transportation, healthcare, behavioral health services, education, childcare, and other supportive programs.
• Assist families in navigating social-service systems and understanding available services.
• Advocate for families while encouraging self-sufficiency, independence, and effective problem-solving.
• Participate in family meetings, service planning, case conferences, and other multidisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, supervisors, schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other professionals involved with the family.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of contacts, services, referrals, and family progress.
• Follow DSS policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Recognize and communicate concerns regarding child or family safety to the appropriate DSS personnel.
• Provide follow-up with families to determine whether referrals and services have been successful.
• Assist families in developing skills that promote stability, healthy relationships, effective parenting, and successful functioning within the community.
• Attend required training and participate in professional development.
• Perform other duties related to family support as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of family dynamics and the challenges families may experience.
• Ability to advocate appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of community resources and social-service systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotionally challenging situations professionally.
• Commitment to treating families with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work independently while following established procedures.