Family Support Specialist - Juvenile Department

Family Support Specialist - Juvenile Department

Salary

$30.98 - $41.51 Hourly

Location

Salem, OR

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

250-2026-1

Department

Juvenile

Division

Juvenile Case Management

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

06

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

THIS POSITION IS GRANT FUNDED. CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN THIS POSITION, WILL BE BASED ON WHETHER OR NOT GRANT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Family Support Specialist provides direct and collateral services to younger at-risk youth and their families who are being served by the Marion County Family Support Program or the department. These services are directed at reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors or developmental assets to reduce the likelihood of the youth entering the juvenile justice system or increasing involvement. The Family Support Specialist develops a case plan and coordinates interagency and intra-agency services which: (1) support the education needs of clients; (2) improve family functioning; (3) increase parenting skills; (4) facilitate skill development of youth in decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, self-management, stress management, and self-advocacy (5) increase family communication and building/maintaining positive relationships; (6) develop youth leisure skills, activities and connectivity; (7) address tobacco, alcohol and other drug use; (8) and reduces involvement in criminal behavior. Position involves regular contact with youth and their families in their homes and the community.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a program supervisor or other designated supervisor, who sets goals, assigns duties and reviews performance by observation and through reports and conferences.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification. However, incumbents may function as lead workers for interns, practicum students or volunteers working at the juvenile department.

Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following

• Provides direct and collateral services to at-risk children and youth and their families. Direct services include case management, individual and family interviews, identifying and targeting both risk and protective factors, and providing regular ongoing contact and support with the clients in their home and the community. Drives to see clients in their homes and the community.
• Coordinates community, interagency and intra-agency services to increase positive functioning of the youth and family, including life and social skills. Collaboratively plans, implements, and supports services which are designed to improve individual and family functioning. May directly teach skills in assertive communication, building/maintaining positive relationships with family, peers, and community, decision-making, goal setting and attainment, self-management, self-advocacy, and alcohol/tobacco/drug refusal skills.
• Coordinates community, interagency, and intra-agency services which support the educational needs of clients. Collaboratively plans various academic and behavioral interventions in public schools, treatment facilities, and corrections settings in support of clients goals. Monitors client academic and behavioral progress. May be appointed by the Juvenile Court Judge to serve as Educational Surrogate, advocating for the special educational needs of individual clients.
• Coordinates interagency and intra-agency services designed to improve parenting skills of childrens parents/caregivers. May teach parenting skills and will encourage parents in applying their knowledge.
• Evaluates family dynamics and functioning. Coordinates services designed to improve family functioning and collaboratively plans, implements, and supports these services.
• Provides effective case management services, including contact with clients in their homes and the community. Maintains accurate and current case records at all times.
• Follows program protocol and procedures, participating in data collection, as required by the supervisor.
• Participates regularly in team meetings with clients and relevant resources/persons and support the team approach to service delivery.
• Establishes and maintains positive, effective, and professional working relationships with coworkers, customers, and staff from other agencies.
• Uses modern office equipment skillfully - telephone, computer, copy machine, fax.
• Participates actively with employee team and work groups; attends team meetings.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle; possesses and maintains a current Oregon drivers license, as well as an acceptable driving record.
• Maintains First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Attends staff meetings, as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements for the Position

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelors degree in human services, corrections, education, counseling or a related field; AND
• Two years of experience working with youth, preferably in juvenile corrections, mental health or education; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a current drivers license in the applicants state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check, including finger printing; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at:http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518.
• Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of hire, a current MHACBO (Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon) CADC R (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Registrant) or higher. The CADC I certification requires education, supervised experience hours and successful completion of a written examination.See MHACBO website for requirements..
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• This position is represented by a union.
• Typical work schedule: Monday - Friday, hours vary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of human development and developmental milestones; family functioning and dynamics; casework methods and techniques; evidenced based programs and principles, behavioral intervention techniques; parenting skills; psychological, social and educational issues relevant to youth; department and community resources; strength-based case planning and service delivery.

Skill in case assessment, management and intervention; collaborative development of client goals and steps to achieve goals; identification and support of individual and family strengths; consistent application of positive reinforcement; encouraging and motivating individuals; relating to a wide diversity of people with varying ages and backgrounds; communicating assertively.

Ability to coordinate an array of services and family participation in a team approach; function as a role model; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; relate well to all kinds of people, with sensitivity to social, family and cultural differences; manage conflict effectively; acquire/apply knowledge of educational needs, special education laws and educational assessment procedures as they apply to youth; advocate on behalf of clients and empower parents/caregivers; positively represent the family support program and juvenile department when interacting with the public, schools and other agencies; manage time and caseload efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision; maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and reports; operate a motor vehicle safely and transport youth within the scope of Oregon law and department protocol.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Operates a motor vehicle; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; stoops; bends forward; lifts up to 15 lbs.; pushes or pulls 5 lbs.; carries up to 5 lbs.; operates a keyboard; rapid-mental/hand/eye coordination; speaks clearly and audibly; reads a 12 pt. font; distinguish colors; hears a normal level of speech; sees using depth perception; may work in areas with dust, heat, cold, humidity, and smoke; possible risk of exposure to OSHA Blood/Body Fluid; occasional exposure to unsanitary conditions during home visits with clients, which may necessitate the use of universal precautions.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• One of the following:

• MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR

• Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR

• Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:

• A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR

• Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through Human Resources, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying. Please e-mail Human Resources if you wish to request an accommodation.

Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.

Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, click here. For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, click here, and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.

01

To receive credit for your supplemental questions, your answers must be supported by details in the education and/or work experience section of your application form. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a bachelors degree in human services, corrections, education, counseling, or a related field? To receive credit for this answer, this education must be contained in the education section of your application.

• Yes
• No

03

If your degree is in a related field, please specify the area of study below. Please write N/A if this question doesnt apply to you.

04

How many years of work experience do you have working with youth in juvenile corrections, mental health, or education? One year of work experience is equal to 2,080 hours. Be sure to include this in the work experience section of your application.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years or more
• None of the above

05

Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application.

Required Question

Employer Marion County

Address PO BOX 14500

Salem, Oregon, 97309

Phone (503) 566-3949

Website https://www.co.marion.or.us/HR/Pages/jobs.aspx