Family Specialist (Grant Funded)

Department: County Civil Attorney/CASA Position Control Number: 0445-004 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime. Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is not designated as safety-sensitive. Random Drug/Alcohol Test: No Opening Date: July 24, 2026 Closing Date: July 30, 2026 at 11: 59 PM This position is grant-funded, and employment is contingent upon theavailability and renewal of grant funding. This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible. An Equal Opportunity Employer JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for strengthening family finding, engagement, and permanency efforts for children in foster care and for leading the development and implementation of a family finding strategy within Pulaski County CASA. This position is grant-funded, and continued employment is contingent upon availability and renewal of grant funding. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Establishes and implements a structured and sustainable family finding process, integrating and utilizing evidence-based models and training.Assists with the development of policies, procedures, and tools related to the family finding process.Ensures family finding processes are aligned with dependency court expectations and permanency planning laws.Identifies cases appropriate for family finding efforts in collaboration with CASA staff; tracks and documents outcomes for grant reporting.Conducts family searches using available tools, records, and databases.Engages relatives and fictive kin to explore placement, permanency, and support options.Maintains records in appropriate case management systems in compliance with CASA standards and grant requirements to document efforts and processes.Provides support to CASA Advocates and other staff in implementing and integrating family finding strategies into case planning for assigned cases.Trains volunteers on genealogy tools, engagement strategies, and best practices related to the family finding process.Serves as a subject matter resource for complex family engagement situations.Partners with Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), attorneys, and court stakeholders to support family engagement efforts and strengthen collaborative practices that support permanency and placement stability.Adheres to all National CASA Association guidelines and standards.Participates in case staffing meetings, family team meetings, stakeholder meetings, and court-related discussions as needed. Works with National and State CASA to fulfill grant obligations.Prepares statistical and narrative reports as required for grant compliance.Attends training as required by CASA, including the pre-service training curriculum. SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other related duties as required. PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily indoors in a smoke-restricted environment, with frequent attendance at courts and meetings. Flexible working hours are occasionally required to accommodate court sessions and training. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of foster care systems, permanency planning, and family dynamics.Good knowledge of the potential emotional and physical needs of victims of child abuse and neglect, and the services within the community available for such victims.Good knowledge of the State and National CASA programs and regulations.Ability to engage families in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive manner.Ability to calmly evaluate and make mindful, strategic decisions in emotionally charged situations.Ability to conduct research, utilizing various resources and tools.Ability to prepare detailed statistical and narrative reports.Ability to handle confidential information in a reliable manner.Ability to work independently and collaboratively.Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with CASA staff and volunteers, the attorneys ad litem, the juvenile judges, grant providers, and the general public.Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.Skill in the operation of a computer, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.Skill in the operation of various databases and case management systems. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both individuals and groups.Digital dexterity necessary for keyboard operation.Visual acuity is necessary for the use of a computer screen. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Completion of a bachelors degree in social work, human services, or a related field; considerable work experience in child welfare, case management, or family engagement; or any combination of experience and training that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.