Job Information
The Arc of Opportunity Family Support Specialist in Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Position Summary:
The Family Support Specialist works primarily in the Bridge to Brighter Futures Program. The specialist maintains a caseload in their designated region of individuals and their families who are living at home and do not currently receive day services. Navigation will be provided to these families utilizing the charting the life course tools to identify natural supports and low-cost options to meet the current needs of the individual and their family. Please note, this is a grant-funded position, the grant ending September 30, 2024. Once the grant ends, the employee will move into a comparable/similar role.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm evenings and weekend availability are required (40 hr/week)
Responsibilities:
Knowledgeable about the Bridge to Brighter Futures Program and the allocated funding
Utilize the charting the life course tools to develop a vision for a good life and design a plan that identifies how to find and develop the supports that will be needed
Provide intensive navigation and planning to identify, provide, help arrange or facilitate integrated supports for families as identified by their vision and plan
Participate in the IEP/ISP process with families as needed
Collect and review information regarding an individual’s social behavior, diagnosis, cognitive ability, goals and other community involvement to identify support and resources beneficial to the individual served and his/her family
Develop a professional relationship with all professionals who support the family within the community and collaborate as needed to assist families in being successful with reaching their vision for a good life
Develop and coordinate networking and educational events that will enable families to learn together and keep families connected through a parent to parent support model
Develop, organize, and lead regular social recreational events for individuals accessing this program
Act as an adult companion, respite provider, or skills trainer if the need is identified
Maintain consistent and regular communication with program participants
Complete all required data collection and documentation including but not limited to case notes, maintaining updated client records, and attendance in a timely and organized manner
Qualifications:
A valid driver’s license, acceptable CORI/SORI/Driving record are always required during employment with The Arc of Opportunity.
Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline strongly preferred. Three years of applicable experience in lieu of degree preferred.
2 years’ experience working with developmentally disabled individuals.
Intermediate to advanced Spanish language communication skills preferred
Experience utilizing charting the life course tools
Good written and oral communication abilities and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, software applications, and electronic medical records.
Comprehensive benefits package including vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, health, dental, life, disability, and 401K. Advancement opportunities.
The Arc of Opportunity is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.
When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply and/or interview for a job, they may request it orally or in writing through the VP of Human Resources.
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
40 hours/week