Family Support Specialist - Permanency Services | Remote/Hybrid Work | Child Welfare Advocate

About arenaflex

At arenaflex, we believe that every child deserves a loving, stable home and every family deserves the support they need to thrive. Our organization has been at the forefront of child welfare services for over two decades, dedicated to strengthening families and creating lasting permanency solutions for children who have experienced foster care, adoption, custodianship, or guardianship. We are more than just an agency—we are a community of compassionate professionals committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and the families who love them.

Our mission centers on empowering families to achieve sustainable well-being by connecting them with essential community resources, providing ongoing advocacy, and ensuring that the gains made through our services are maintained long-term. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where our staff are supported, valued, and given opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. When you join arenaflex, you become part of a team that truly lives its values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and dedication to service.

Role Overview

Are you searching for a career that offers genuine meaning and the flexibility to balance your personal and professional life? Do you have a heart for serving children and families who have overcome significant challenges? If so, we invite you to consider joining arenaflex as a Family Support Specialist.

In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in providing comprehensive support and services to children and families who have achieved permanency through various pathways—including family reintegration, adoption, custodianship, guardianship, and youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Your work will involve empowering these families and children by connecting them with appropriate community resources, advocating fiercely on their behalf, and equipping them with the skills and support necessary to sustain their success independently.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid remote work environment, allowing you to serve families effectively while maintaining a schedule that adapts to your needs. At arenaflex, we understand that our staff cannot pour from an empty cup, which is why we are committed to providing you with the resources, support, and work-life balance you deserve.

Key Responsibilities

As a Family Support Specialist at arenaflex, your daily contributions will make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Your responsibilities include:

• Family Empowerment and Support: Work collaboratively with families who have achieved permanency to identify their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. Develop individualized support plans that address these needs and promote family stability.
• Resource Connection: Serve as a bridge between families and community resources, including healthcare services, educational programs, housing assistance, counseling services, financial support programs, and recreational opportunities. Help families navigate these systems effectively.
• Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of children and families within various systems, including schools, healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations. Ensure that families' voices are heard and their needs are met.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly assess family progress toward goals outlined in support plans. Document outcomes and adjust interventions as needed to ensure continued progress.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to family crises with empathy and professionalism. Provide immediate support and connect families with emergency resources when necessary.
• Relationship Building: Establish trusting, supportive relationships with families that encourage open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, thorough case notes and records in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Community Outreach: Participate in community events and build partnerships with local organizations to expand resource availability for families.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge in child welfare, family dynamics, and community resources.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals to coordinate comprehensive support for families.

Qualifications and Requirements

Essential Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you must possess:

• A bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as this role may require occasional travel to meet with families in the community.
• Strong commitment to the well-being of children and families.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with case management software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow professionally.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications and experiences are highly valued:

Skills and Competencies

Success as a Family Support Specialist requires a unique blend of skills and personal attributes:

• Empathy and Compassion: You must genuinely care about the well-being of others and be able to relate to families experiencing various challenges without judgment.
• Advocacy Skills: The ability to effectively speak up for families and help them navigate complex systems is essential.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Families will present unique challenges; you need to think creatively to find solutions and connect families with appropriate resources.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple families and responsibilities requires excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability: The ability to pivot and respond effectively to changing circumstances and unexpected situations.
• Cultural Competency: An understanding of and respect for diverse family structures, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Resilience: The emotional strength to handle challenging situations while maintaining professionalism and positivity.
• Communication Excellence: Strong active listening skills and the ability to convey information clearly to diverse audiences.

Compensation and Benefits

At arenaflex, we value our team members and are committed to providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits:

• Hourly Compensation: The average hourly rate for this position is $19.06, which includes base wages, incentives, bonuses, overtime, and shift differentials as applicable.
• Flexible Scheduling: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option for remote and hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Receive 20 days of personal leave in your first year, increasing to 25 days annually thereafter, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Longevity Bonus: Rewarded for your continued dedication and tenure with our organization.
• Tuition Reimbursement: We support your continuous growth through tuition reimbursement opportunities for qualifying educational programs.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Access to health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and career advancement within the organization.

Career Growth and Development

At arenaflex, your growth is our priority. We are committed to helping you build a rewarding career in child welfare:

• Access to comprehensive training programs including trauma-informed care, advocacy techniques, and family engagement strategies.
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals in the field.
• Clear pathways for advancement into supervisory, management, or specialized positions.
• Support for obtaining relevant certifications and advanced degrees.
• Regular performance reviews and development planning sessions.
• Internal promotion opportunities as the organization grows.

Work Environment and Culture

arenaflex is more than a workplace—it's a community of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose. When you join our team, you'll experience:

• A supportive, collaborative team environment where everyone's contributions are valued.
• Leadership that genuinely cares about employee well-being and professional growth.
• A mission-driven culture focused on making a real difference in the lives of children and families.
• Open communication channels where your ideas and feedback are welcomed.
• Recognition programs that celebrate your hard work and dedication.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

We believe that when our staff thrive, the families we serve thrive. That's why we prioritize work-life balance, provide the tools you need to succeed, and foster an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work every day.

How to Apply

Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families? We would love to hear from you!

To apply for this position, please visit our website at arenaflex.com/careers to complete your application and submit your resume. Our recruiting team will review your qualifications and reach out to qualified candidates to schedule an interview.

If you have questions about the role or need accommodations during the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our HR team.

Join Our Mission

At arenaflex, we are united by a shared mission to strengthen families and create lasting permanency for children. Every day, our team members make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, and we want you to be part of this important work.

If you are compassionate, dedicated, and ready to grow both personally and professionally, we encourage you to apply today. Together, we can build stronger families and brighter futures for the children who need us most.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Location: Remote/Hybrid