Family Support Specialist

Scope of Position:      

Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) is a non-profit, community-based organization committed to serving children, adults, and families living in Philadelphia. Within our Jane Addams Place family emergency housing program, we are seeking a compassionate and experienced individual to fill the role of Family Support Specialist in our shelter for families experiencing temporary homelessness. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide direct support to shelter residents, offering guidance and assistance in addressing mental health challenges, addiction issues, and family dynamics. Additionally, the successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, supporting shelter staff in understanding and managing complex familial and psychological concerns within the shelter environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Counseling and Support:

• Meet with all residents residing at Jane Addams Place and maintain ongoing sessions with residents interested in receiving support related to mental health and addiction concerns
• Develop and facilitate group programming for residents that provides education and skill-building related to behavioral health, recovery and wellness
• Maintain regular open-office hours to provide additional support and guidance to shelter residents
• Develop personalized safety and support plans in collaboration with residents, tailored to their specific needs and goals
• Collaborate with shelter residents to establish achievable goals and objectives related to their mental health, addiction recovery, and family stability
• Empower residents through therapeutic strategies to enhance residents' healthy coping skills and support networks, fostering resilience and positive adaptation to challenges
• Support clients and staff in crisis intervention and provide emotional support to individuals and families experiencing distress or conflict
• Offer educational materials and resources tailored to residents' needs, providing practical tools and information to support their ongoing progress and development

Advocacy and Referral Services / Support for Staff:

• Advocate on behalf of shelter residents to access referrals, external resources, and services, including mental health resources, substance abuse treatment programs, and family support networks
• Serve as the primary resource for shelter staff on issues related to mental health, addiction, and family dynamics
• Collaborate with shelter management to develop and implement policies and procedures that promote a supportive and therapeutic environment for families experiencing homelessness

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate notes and confidential records of individual sessions for each resident
• Maintain records of attendance for group programming
• Generate reports as required by funding agencies, documenting outcomes, successes, and challenges in delivering services to shelter residents
• Complete all training and actively participate in required supervision in accordance with program and agency guidelines

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field
• Previous experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health issues, and addiction a strong plus
• Expected to learn and build understanding of family dynamics and the impact of homelessness on family relationships
• Demonstrates a commitment to trauma-informed care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse populations
• Works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and external service providers
• Sensitivity to cultural, socioeconomic, and individual differences, with a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion
• Familiarity with Philadelphia agencies/resources preferred
• Proficiency in documentation and record-keeping, with attention to detail and confidentiality
• Completion of a state mandated 40-hour domestic violence training is required; can be completed upon hiring

LSH is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all. Regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or identity, we firmly believe that we serve our communities best when everyone feels free to be their most authentic self. We are an equal opportunity employer and applicants from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.