POSITION SUMMARY
The Bilingual MDFR (Multidimensional Family Recovery) Specialist will spend the majority of their time in the community meeting with clients in their homes or community locations where they feel comfortable. MDFR Specialists will provide MDFR in three phases with initial contact weekly, contact every other week during the second phase, and contact every three weeks during the third phase. Throughout, the goal is to help increase engagement in treatment services and foster stronger relationships and functioning within the family. The MDFR Specialist will focus on the caregivers as individuals, the children, parenting and co-parenting, parental intimate relationships, family relationships, and connection to the community. The specialist will provide brief MDFR interventions as identified by DCF and/or the family’s needs following the MDFR curriculum.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assume responsibility for coordinating the provision of services by other community professionals
- Deliver MDFR at the parent/caregiver’s home or in the community through at least weekly face to face contact.
- Upon referral, assess the parent/caregiver’s needs and family situation using DCF approved screening tools to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
- Discuss the results with the parent/caregiver in order to assist him/her in the development of their Recovery Support Plan.
- Facilitate engagement and retention in substance use and mental health treatment for parents.
- Provide access to developmental, educational, and medical services for the children.
- Enhance parent’s involvement in their children’s well-being.
- Improve parenting skills including co-parenting and parental teamwork
- Reinforce skills and competencies parents learn in substance use or mental health counseling.
- Help repair relationships between the parent(s) and other family members.
- Increase involvement of other positive family members in the children’s lives.
- Improve parent and family communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- On-site instant urine drug testing and/or breathalyzers that offer immediate results will be randomly performed per the model requirements. Drug testing for parents/caregivers who are in substance use treatment will be coordinated between providers to avoid duplication. Results are used to engage and sustain the parent/caregiver in their Recovery Support Plan.
- Documentation of clinical activities in client record as required by Wheeler Clinic.
- Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree is required, with preferred degrees in psychology, social work, or related human services field. Must have experience working in the substance use treatment field or experience working with adults in a community-based program. Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate individual parent/caregivers needs and in order to respond to a crisis situation, as is required by the model.
Current program needs require the ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.