Child & Family Support Specialist

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. We do this by providing children facing the most obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years – no matter what.

At Friends of the Children, we put children first and use our values to change the way the world treats and views youth facing great barriers. As the Child and Family Support Specialist you will play a vital role in supporting the emotional, social, and behavioral well-being of children and their families. This position works collaboratively with clinical professionals and a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans and provide holistic, wrap-around services in the school, community, and home settings.

This is a great paid practicum opportunity for B.S.W. and M.S.W. candidates. B.S.W. and M.S.W. supervision available on site.

We are hiring an extraordinary candidate who will:

• Partner with Clinical Professionals to deliver services outlined in individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct support to children and families, including time spent in-home or in the community, as assigned or identified in the plan.
• Collaborate with mentors, family engagement staff, and clinical team to facilitate access and provide transportation to essential services, including:
• Behavioral health services
• Medical Services
• Social Services
• Educational Services
• Vocational Services
• Recreational Services
• Actively participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive family support.
• Communicate observations regarding behavioral and emotional progress to the treatment team.
• Promote success in multiple environments using a wrap-around approach.
• Support youth in developing key life skills such as coping, social, independent living, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Ensure a structured and safe environment for youth, including supervision and guidance during activities.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and model conflict resolution strategies.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and ongoing case discussions.
• Adapt support strategies to meet the unique and evolving needs of each child and family.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field preferred; equivalent experience considered based on education, work history, and volunteer background.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of child development and trauma-informed care practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based setting.
• Flexible, creative problem-solver with a client-centered mindset.
• Basic computer literacy; experience with electronic medical records and performance-based software is a plus.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Driver’s License, maintain an acceptable driving record, and safe operating vehicle.
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances.

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices, and to working toward racial equity. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.