Family Support Counselor identifies and coordinates the delivery of support programs and solutions for families in crisis to meet their financial, educational, social, and emotional needs. Interviews families to assess needs and their eligibility for assistance programs and services. Being a Family Support Counselor helps to navigate the application process and outlines the requirements and benefits of programs or services. Advises about types of counseling services available and makes referrals to service providers. Additionally, Family Support Counselor may require a bachelor's degree in human services related field. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Family Support Counselor work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Family Support Counselor typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
The Family Support Specialist (FSS) is a peer with shared lived experience who works with families raising a child with emotional, behavioral, mental health, developmental or other health challenges. The FSS role is to support the family, help them to engage and actively participate on their team and/or treatment process and make informed decisions that drive the process. The FSS uses personal and professional life experience to provide consultation and coaching to increase awareness and improve parent/caregiver-professional partnerships and maximize parent/caregiver voice, choice, and involvement. FSSs work in a variety of environments, such as Wraparound, Community and Transition Services (CATS), Community Based programs, Reach Out Oregon parent warm line, Rapid Response, Caring Contacts, etc. and support the unique needs of families by using consistent and unified principles of the Family Support practice and competencies.