Family Specialist

**About Us**:Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a Southern-Alberta based not-for-profit agency that delivers a variety of services designed to meet the unique needs of vulnerable children and their families. Be a part of an innovative team that envisions a future where every child will thrive within supportive family and community relationships by:

- Uncovering strength, hope and healing, and creating new possibilities for a brighter future for children and families. Providing a broad array of strength-based and family-centered services that strive to preserve, reunify and build stronger families who can care for their children and contribute meaningfully in their community.

**About the Position**:In this Full-Time, 18-month contract, the Family Specialist works as part of the Family Matters program, to support families in learning skills necessary for them to more effectively meet the needs of their family and life situation. Utilizing the principles of the Teaching-Family Model, the Family Specialist assists families and individuals with problem solving, parenting skills, child development needs, budgeting, advocacy and other skills which increase the families’ ability to set attainable goals and create success. The Family Specialist is also responsible for completing the required program reports and documentation and participating in meetings that are relevant to their role. On-call responsibilities for the Family Matters Program are required as part of this position. Most of our clients are typically in the Calgary and Airdrie area, however there may be a need to travel to other areas such as Beiseker, Crossfield and Banff from time-to-time depending on the needs of the clients.

**About You**:You possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to effectively communicate with and relate to people of all ages. You are extremely detail oriented, organized and can effectively manage multiple priorities at one time. You are able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with children and youth and their families as well as with community agencies and resources. You are a compassionate individual with a positive and empathetic approach who understands how to set appropriate professional boundaries. You have experience with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds, are sensitive to their cultural and spiritual needs and can incorporate these into planning for families. In addition, you are eager to learn and carry out the principles and philosophy of Closer to Home and the Teaching-Family Model.

**Qualifications**:

- A Diploma or Degree in a related field and/or previous experience working with vulnerable children and families is required
- Willing to work a flexible work week, including evenings and weekends, and willing to be a part of the Program on-call rotation
- A valid Alberta Driver’s License, reliable vehicle for work purposes, adequate and current insurance and willing to provide a Driver’s Abstract upon hire
- Willingness to travel to homes as far as Beiseker, Crossfield and Banff
- A Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and an Intervention Record Check must be completed prior to commencement

First Aid/CPR Level C or higher

**Required Competencies**:All positions at Closer to Home Community Services require (5) competencies: _Instills Trust, Person Focus, Communicates Effectively, Situational Adaptability and Ensures Accountability.- CTH is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all; including different cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and sexual and gender diversities. We strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.- We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. _