Family Support Counselor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Job Title: Family Support Specialist

Department: Family Services

Reports to: Family Services Manager

Starting Range: $67,600 - $78,000 (DOE)

Salary/Exempt

The Family Support Specialist is a vital member of the Family Services team at Jacob’s Heart. As part of the Family Services Team, they are responsible for accompanying families through their pediatric cancer journey.

Who we are

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services exists to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. We provide family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical, and financial struggles of families of children and teens in treatment for cancer or other certain life-threatening conditions of a child. We envision a community where every child with a cancer diagnosis has a strong, supported, and informed family that is able to participate fully in their care. We strive to inspire compassionate action within local communities to create a safety net of support for the unique needs of each child and family.

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by a Family Support Specialist and not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

• Provides families with individualized case management services by maintaining consistent contact with families by phone and in-home, in-office, and hospital visits.
• Maintains professional boundaries with clients.
• Conducts assessment of the family’s social, emotional, and practical needs and concerns related to the impact of the diagnosis.
• Collaborates with other professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Assists clients with translation and completing paperwork.
• Provides emotional support, advocacy, referrals, and practical assistance.
• Prepares and maintains professional written and verbal communications with all referral sources, including families, school personnel, hospital social workers, and mental health workers.
• Provides end-of-life resources and assists with the coordination and planning of memorial services.
• Documents case management services in a thorough, detailed, and timely manner
• Utilizes training as necessary to continue to provide high-quality services to children and their families as effectively and efficiently as possible.
• Promotes an atmosphere of dignity, integrity, strict confidentiality, and respect in line with the philosophy and policies of HIPAA.
• Assists with the development, planning, and facilitating of support groups and family events.
• Assists with and attends community and outreach events.
• Provides occasional transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Compassionate and comfortable working with children who have cancer, their siblings, parents, and extended family, as well as working with families who are bereaved by the loss of a child due to cancer. (Jacob’s Heart has zero tolerance for the mistreatment of families.)
• Knowledge of case management and social work principles, techniques, and practices
• Ability to manage a caseload, recall case details, maintain confidentiality of information, determine the appropriate course of action in emergencies and other stressful situations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to the well-being of children and families
• Ability to work some evenings and weekend events
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Comfortable working with Microsoft Suite, Google Drive/calendars, Asana, Slack, and Salesforce

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Collaborative Health & Human Services, Psychology, or other related field
• Complete Fluency in Spanish
• Valid CA driver’s license and clean DMV record
• Ability to pass a background check
• CPR/First Aid Adult-Pediatric Certification Preferred (if not provided)

Covid-19 Considerations

• Currently, we require all staff to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19

Benefits

• Employer-paid Dental and Vision Plan
• Health Insurance Options
• Two weeks paid vacation
• 13 paid holidays
• 403(B) plan- no matching
• $600 yearly wellness stipend

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation or identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,600.00 - $78,000.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adolescents
• Adults
• Children

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person