Family Support Specialist (Case Manager), Developmental Disabilities Program

A great, entry level position to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities! Recognizing the value in self care and proper work- life balance Bridges Homeward operates on a 33.5 hour, 4 1/2 day work week! The Family Support Specialist is a member of Bridges Homeward's Developmental Disabilities Program team, and assists families, children, youth and adult family members referred by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in developing life skills, setting and achieving goals, assisting in accessing resources needed to obtain goals, and engaging in activities in the community. Basic Spanish speaking capacity preferred but not required. HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Coordinate and schedule parent/caregiver trainings Collaborate with other Bridges Homeward staff in developing and coordinating family activities and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families Advocate effectively for our client living with developmental disabilities, and families Facilitate communication with the client's collaterals, including DDS, school, medical and in-home providers and therapists Provide strength-based support by partnering with families to understand and meet their needs. Assess client and family needs through referrals from DDS Assist family in managing funds allocated by DDS The Agency: Founded in 1873, Bridges Homeward has evolved over time into a group of dynamic, highly dedicated, mission driven professionals meeting the current needs of the Greater Boston community. Bridges Homeward is committed to strengthening and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, for our staff and those we serve. We are seeking staff that align with our commitment, as individuals and as a community, to continually seek to advance racial equity initiatives to address long-standing systemic racial biases and discrimination in our society. Our goal for every person we work with to find permanency; a healthy, nurturing relationship with an adult that they can count on for the rest of their life. Sometimes, permanency in our work means making sure a child can remain with their biological family; sometimes it means ensuring someone with a developmental disability can live with family instead of having to move to an institutional setting; sometimes it means finding a child in foster care a forever family and for other youth it means having a safe, secure parenting relationship with a supportive adult. Join our supportive team environment today! Bridges Homeward is passionate about supporting our employees. Here are just some of the ways we do that. Learn more: Join Our Team - Bridges Homeward 33.5 Hour Work Week! Generous Paid Time Off (including vacation, sick, personal and wellness days) Medical and Dental Coverage 13 paid holidays Life Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Financial coverage for Social Work Licensures and Professional Development (including access to CEUs for those who need it) Tuition remission for undergraduate classes Staff driven and led committees including a Young Professional Committee, Recognition and Activities Committee REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, education or a related field; 3 years' experience working with families, children and adults with developmental disabilities may be substituted for the Bachelor Degree. Minimum of 1 years' experience in working with families, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Familiarity with positive behavioral techniques and ABA principles preferred. Demonstrated ability to provide case management to families, including ability to assess needs. Familiarity with special education preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Basic Spanish speaking preferred (not required)