Family Service Supervisor (#MDDQ04)
$50,841.00 Yearly Min / $63,551.00 Yearly Mid / $76,261.00 Yearly Max

An incumbent in this class supervises staff who directly provide, coordinate and monitor the delivery of professional family services to children, youth and their families to resolve problems involving child abuse, neglect, dependency, antisocial behavior and family dysfunction.

• Supervises a staff of 5-8 professional, paraprofessional and clerical staff.

A class incumbent is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the assigned program unit by planning, assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff providing case coordination and counseling services to children, youth and families. Incumbents report to an administrative superior; also reporting in at this level are other supervisory staff. An incumbent in this class works in either child protective agencies, child mental agencies or juvenile corrections settings. Employees are responsible for reviewing case histories and treatment plans developed by subordinates for appropriateness of proposed services in meeting client needs. Conducts individual/group conferences to provide technical guidance and assess casework practices. Evaluates and reports on unit effectiveness in meeting program goals. Provides orientation, initial and ongoing training in concepts of social work practices, case management process and policies and procedures.  Incumbents interact with managers and supervisors of state/private social service agencies, courts, hospitals and schools to resolve problems encountered by staff in the delivery of services to clients.  Incumbents also represent the Division by interacting with representatives of private and public organizations through training, speaking, public relations activities as well as membership on committees and task forces. Motivating staff and providing assistance in securing service provider cooperation, developing effective working relationships with other agencies and intervening and providing support to staff in crisis situations are of major significance in this work.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assigns cases to staff; establishes caseload controls; reviews case histories and monitors treatment plan for conformity to social work principles and progress in meeting client needs.
• Holds individual and unit conferences to discuss cases, problem areas, work load and resources; evaluates performance of staff.
• Conducts orientation for new employees and ongoing training on case management theories and principles and policies and procedures.
• Evaluates and prepares reports on unit effectiveness in meeting program goals; prepares reports on monthly statistics for treatment activity, placement and custody and other surveys and reports as requested by superiors.
• Acts as intermediary in resolving problems encountered by staff in attempting to coordinate service plans requiring interdivisional and/or interagency cooperation.
• May provide support and act as backup to staff in crisis situations, such as potential suicides, assault and battery against youths and sexual abuse cases.  May be required to isolate and/or physically restrain youths which are acting out.
• May be called upon to provide direction in emergency situations which requires immediate attention.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles.
• Knowledge of human behavior, behavior deviations of juveniles, normal and impaired family functioning.
• Knowledge of social, economic, psychological and health factors and the manner in which they may affect the social behavior of individuals and families.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling.
• Knowledge of casework principles and practices used in the preparation of service/treatment plans and management of a varied caseload.
• Knowledge of agencies, services and resources available in the community.
• Skill in conducting interviews of a sensitive nature.
• Skill in applying the pertinent laws, regulations and policies.
• Skill in motivating and directing subordinates.
• Skill in development and implementation of case plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, associates, social service representatives and the public.
• Ability to recognize the symptoms of maladjusted behavior.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

2. Two years' experience in health or human services focusing on the safety and welfare of families such as identifying issues, barriers and goals; determining eligibility for and availability of community resources; assisting clients and their families in obtaining needed services; family conflict and crisis resolution and assessing progress towards goals.

3. Three years' experience in case management such as assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual's human service needs.

4. Coursework, training and/or work experience in staff supervision, which may include performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others.