Family Specialist (Grant Funded)

Department:                               County Civil Attorney/CASA

Position Control Number:           0445-004

FLSA Status:                              Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime.

Safety Sensitive Designation:    This position is not designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:       No

Opening Date:                           July 24, 2026                             

Closing Date:                            July 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM

This position is grant-funded, and employment is contingent upon the availability and renewal of grant funding.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically

and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for strengthening family finding, engagement, and permanency efforts for children in foster care and for leading the development and implementation of a family finding strategy within Pulaski County CASA.  This position is grant-funded, and continued employment is contingent upon availability and renewal of grant funding.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

     * Establishes and implements a structured and sustainable family finding process, integrating and utilizing evidence-based models and training.

     *  Assists with the development of policies, procedures, and tools related to the family finding process.

     *  Ensures family finding processes are aligned with dependency court expectations and permanency planning laws.

     *  Identifies cases appropriate for family finding efforts in collaboration with CASA staff; tracks and documents outcomes for grant reporting.

     *  Conducts family searches using available tools, records, and databases.

     *  Engages relatives and fictive kin to explore placement, permanency, and support options.

     *  Maintains records in appropriate case management systems in compliance with CASA standards and grant requirements to document efforts and processes.

     *  Provides support to CASA Advocates and other staff in implementing and integrating family finding strategies into case planning for assigned cases.

     *  Trains volunteers on genealogy tools, engagement strategies, and best practices related to the family finding process.

     *  Serves as a subject matter resource for complex family engagement situations.

     *  Partners with Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), attorneys, and court stakeholders to support family engagement efforts and strengthen collaborative practices that support permanency and placement stability.

     *  Adheres to all National CASA Association guidelines and standards.

     *  Participates in case staffing meetings, family team meetings, stakeholder meetings, and court-related discussions as needed. 

     *  Works with National and State CASA to fulfill grant obligations.

     *  Prepares statistical and narrative reports as required for grant compliance.

     *  Attends training as required by CASA, including the pre-service training curriculum.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

     * Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED:            None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily indoors in a smoke-restricted environment, with frequent attendance at courts and meetings.  Flexible working hours are occasionally required to accommodate court sessions and training. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

     *

          + Considerable knowledge of foster care systems, permanency planning, and family dynamics.

          + Good knowledge of the potential emotional and physical needs of victims of child abuse and neglect, and the services within the community available for such victims.

          + Good knowledge of the State and National CASA programs and regulations.

          + Ability to engage families in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive manner.

          + Ability to calmly evaluate and make mindful, strategic decisions in emotionally charged situations.

          + Ability to conduct research, utilizing various resources and tools. 

          + Ability to prepare detailed statistical and narrative reports.

          + Ability to handle confidential information in a reliable manner.

          + Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

          + Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with CASA staff and volunteers, the attorney’s ad litem, the juvenile judges, grant providers, and the general public.

          + Ability to attend work regularly and reliably. 

          + Skill in the operation of a computer, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

          + Skill in the operation of various databases and case management systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

     *

          + Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both individuals and groups.

          + Digital dexterity necessary for keyboard operation.

          + Visual acuity is necessary for the use of a computer screen.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field; considerable work experience in child welfare, case management, or family engagement; or any combination of experience and training that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.