FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER LEAD

Position Overview

When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees dedicated to positively changing the lives of over 1 million Marylanders each year. This recruitment establishes a list of eligible candidates for current and future vacancies in Local Departments of Social Services statewide. As a Family Support Worker Lead, you will provide in-home support services that enable individuals to maintain their independence, preserve the family structure, and promote a functional home environment by teaching clients to effectively use community resources.

Location: STATEWIDE

Key Responsibilities

• Assigns and reviews the work of lower level Family Support Workers who provide in-home support services.
• Trains lower level Family Support Workers in procedures, techniques, skills, and knowledge necessary to deliver in-home support.
• Visits clients’ homes to assess needs and provide assistance with practical living skills including meal planning, household maintenance, shopping, positive parenting, and budgeting.
• Assesses clients’ personal and living conditions in conjunction with treatment or service plan goals to determine the need for specific behavioral or environmental changes.
• Develops positive relationships with clients to secure acceptance of the In-Home Care Plan and contribute to their physical and emotional well-being.
• Encourages clients to participate in community resources such as support groups, food pantries, and daycare services.
• Observes and documents behavior of children and adults and reports observations for potential modifications to care plans.
• Prepares reports for health care professionals, case managers, or supervisors regarding client conditions and services provided.
• Participates in team meetings with case managers and health care professionals to develop or modify In-Home Care Plans.
• Transports and assists clients with obtaining transportation to medical appointments and community centers.
• May present subject matter in structured training sessions and conduct follow-ups in clients’ homes.
• May assist with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or providing temporary care in the absence of a caregiver.
• May oversee court-ordered family visits, testify in court, or prepare a client for a court appearance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience Required: Three years of experience providing support services to children or adults by teaching practical living skills to promote independent living or assist in preserving the family structure.
• Requirements: Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. Some positions may require obtaining a Certified Nursing Assistant or Geriatric Nursing Assistant license as mandated by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Qualifications: Candidates must complete an approved entry-level training program when working with families with dependent children and have access to a personal automobile with verified insurance for transport duties.

Benefits & Perks

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including low-cost health, dental, and vision plans.

• Personal Leave – six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave – ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Parental Leave – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays – at least twelve (12) holidays per year.
• Pension – earn credits toward a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.