Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Paid Intern | State of Missouri

The Tone:
This is an in-person Paid Internship with the State of Missouri, based in Warren County. The State of Missouri, specifically through its Department of Social Services, is a vital public sector organization committed to enhancing the lives of its citizens. The Department partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth, and support families in achieving self-sufficiency, ensuring Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. This internship role is an opportunity to directly contribute to these critical objectives by providing essential paraprofessional services to at-risk children and families, playing a direct part in their well-being and achieving positive case outcomes.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, Warren County, MO
• Team: Department of Social Services – Children’s Division
• Mission: Assist at-risk children and families by providing direct support services to foster positive family units and achieve case goals related to safety, permanency, and well-being.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Case Management: Manage client records and confidential information, ensuring accuracy and security in both paper and electronic formats.
• Family Coaching: Coach clients to foster a positive and supportive family unit, aligning efforts with established case goals and plans, including instruction on child development and rearing techniques.
• Life Skills Development: Assist families with activities of daily living, including setting realistic goals, developing planning strategies, and enhancing other related basic life skills necessary for effective home management.
• Crisis and Safety Support: Provide hands-on support in developing essential parenting skills, stress management techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and establishing robust safety networks for family well-being.
• Resource Education: Educate parents on how to effectively access and utilize available community resources, fostering self-sufficiency and broader support systems.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
• Experience: Not specified in years. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to transportation for performing duties in the field, such as home visits and client transport.
• Skills: High School Diploma or GED; Ability to pass criminal background checks and screening with the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect.
• Bonus: Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication (oral, written, and interpersonal) skills; Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed.