Family Support Specialist

Position Title: Family Support Specialist (Contracted Position)

Reports To: Licensed Therapist Classification: Independent Contractor Service Location: State Wide-Member’s family residence- Position Requires Travel

Applicant Must reside in West Virginia

Position Summary

The Family Support Specialist is a contracted provider who works directly with youth and their families to support the practical application of coping strategies and interventions introduced in family therapy. This role focuses on helping families implement skills in real-life situations to improve communication, parenting practices, and overall family functioning.

Services are delivered in response to specific goals identified in the member’s Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and are coordinated with the treating therapist to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of services. The Family Support Specialist is clinically supervised by the licensed therapist and provides supervision to Job Development and Supported Employment staff, as applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field
• Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with children, adolescents, and families with behavioral health needs
• Must reside in West Virginia
• Valid West Virginia driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to meet agency, state, and payer credentialing requirements
• Ability to maintain professional liability insurance, as required for contracted providers

Essential Responsibilities

Family Skill Implementation and Coaching

• Support youth and families in practicing and applying coping strategies introduced in family therapy.
• Coach parents/legal representatives in the use of new parenting techniques specific to their child’s mental health and behavioral needs.
• Provide real-time modeling and feedback during family interactions to strengthen communication and behavior management strategies.
• Participate in family routines and activities to support the application of skills within the home.

Family Education and Support

• Provide education to parents/legal representatives regarding their child’s mental health diagnosis and related behavioral concerns, as directed by the therapist.
• Identify barriers to implementing therapeutic recommendations and collaborate with the family on practical solutions.
• Reinforce measurable progress toward identified PCSP goals.

Collaboration and Communication

• Maintain consistent communication with the supervising therapist regarding observed family dynamics, response to interventions, and barriers to progress.
• Provide objective, behaviorally specific feedback to support treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
• Ensure services do not duplicate other interventions outlined in the member’s service plan.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation that reflects services delivered, observable behaviors, interventions used, and progress toward goals.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies, payer requirements, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and professional ethical guidelines.

Supervision of Assigned Staff

• Provide oversight and support to Job Development and Supported Employment staff as assigned.
• Monitor service delivery and provide feedback to ensure alignment with member goals and agency expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development
• Ability to coach and model effective parenting and communication strategies
• Skill in objective observation and documentation
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the supervising therapist

Contracted Position Expectations

• Contractor is responsible for managing their schedule in coordination with assigned families and the supervising therapist.
• Contractor is responsible for maintaining required credentials, clearances, and insurance coverage.
• Compensation structure and service expectations will be outlined in the independent contractor agreement.

This contracted role supports families in translating therapeutic recommendations into consistent daily practice, with a focus on measurable improvements in family functioning and youth behavior.