ISFC Support Staff/Family Specialist… at Koinonia… · Visalia

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of youth and families? If yes, join the great team of people at Koinonia Family Services in Visalia. We are looking for a qualified individual to join us as a part-time ISFC Support Staff / Family Specialist. Due to the needs of the youth served in this program, we are seeking a qualified male staff member for this position.

This unique position provides direct support in two specialized programs. As an Intensive Services Foster Care (ISFC) Support Staff, you will work one-on-one with youth in foster care who have significant behavioral and mental health needs, helping them remain safely and successfully in their family-based placements. As a Family Specialist in our Post-Adoption Wraparound program, you will support families who have adopted children and youth from foster care and are experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges.

This is a part-time position that will initially provide services to one family for approximately 5 to 10 hours per week, with opportunities for additional assignments and increased hours based on agency needs. Services are provided in the family's home and throughout the community. Work schedules are flexible and are based on the needs of assigned youth and families, including afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends.

The ISFC Support Staff / Family Specialist opportunity includes:

• A great opportunity to support youth and families impacted by trauma
• Hourly pay rate: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour
• Benefits include paid time off (PTO) and participation in our 401(k) plan (based on eligibility)
• Flexible scheduling based on the needs of assigned families
• Enhance your knowledge and skills by working alongside a committed team of professionals utilizing trauma-informed and evidence-based practices
• Gain valuable experience working in both foster care and post-adoption behavioral health services
• Work with a great team of people who care about each other and are committed to bringing hope and healing to youth and families

Candidates must meet one of the following: (1) a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or human services field and 6+ months of relevant experience; (2) an associate degree in a related field and 1+ year of relevant experience; or (3) a high school diploma/equivalency with an approved exception/waiver and 2+ years of direct, documented experience working with high-needs youth.

Under the leadership of supervisors in both the Resource Family Approval (RFA) Program and the Post-Adoption Wraparound Program, you will collaborate with clinicians, facilitators, parent partners, resource parents, and other members of the Child and Family Team to provide direct services to youth and families. Responsibilities include:

• Work directly with youth and families in their homes, schools, and communities to build positive relationships and implement individualized plans of care.
• Provide one-on-one support to youth with significant emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs receiving Intensive Services Foster Care (ISFC).
• Model positive behavior and implement targeted behavioral interventions that promote safety, stability, emotional regulation, and successful functioning in the home and community.
• Teach and reinforce coping skills, communication skills, social skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and other individualized behavioral goals.
• Assist resource parents and adoptive families in implementing treatment strategies and reinforcing positive behavioral supports.
• Utilize trauma-informed practices and agency-approved de-escalation techniques to respond appropriately during behavioral crises while helping maintain placement stability.
• Participate in a family-centered, strength-based, and culturally responsive planning process to develop and implement individualized service plans.
• Support youth in participating effectively in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings and other collaborative planning activities.
• Implement individualized behavior support plans and connect youth and families with community resources, schools, and natural supports.
• Transport youth to appointments, school activities, recreational opportunities, and other approved community resources.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case documentation in accordance with agency requirements.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain professional boundaries while developing supportive, trusting relationships with youth and families.

Join Our Team:

Our employees say Koinonia is a great place to work! We are committed to creating a supportive, mission-driven workplace where employees feel valued and connected to the work they do. In our recent employee climate survey, 98% of staff reported strong teamwork with their coworkers, and 97% said their supervisors treat them with respect. Employees also reported a strong connection to our mission and a clear understanding of how their work contributes to helping children and families.

Working with children and youth who have experienced trauma is challenging but extremely rewarding. Koinonia is a trauma-informed agency with a person-centered treatment philosophy.

Important Note:

Qualified candidates must complete a criminal background clearance through the California Department of Justice and FBI to ensure eligibility for employment, as well as a pre-employment physical and TB test.

This position requires a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation as driving is an essential job function. Family Specialists are responsible for tasks such as visiting client homes, transporting youth, engaging with community partners, often in locations not easily accessible by alternative transportation methods. The nature of these responsibilities necessitates the ability to drive to ensure timely, reliable, confidential and effective support for the youth and families we serve. Koinonia Family Services is an equal-opportunity employer.