Position Title: Family Support Specialist (Contracted Position)
Reports To: Licensed Therapist
Classification: Independent Contractor
Service Location: State Wide-Memberโs family residence- Position Requires Travel
Applicant Must reside in West Virginia
Position Summary
The Family Support Specialist is a contracted provider who works directly with youth and their families to support the practical application of coping strategies and interventions introduced in family therapy. This role focuses on helping families implement skills in real-life situations to improve communication, parenting practices, and overall family functioning.
Services are delivered in response to specific goals identified in the memberโs Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and are coordinated with the treating therapist to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of services. The Family Support Specialist is clinically supervised by the licensed therapist and provides supervision to Job Development and Supported Employment staff, as applicable.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelorโs degree in Human Services or a related field
Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with children, adolescents, and families with behavioral health needs
Must reside in West Virginia
Valid West Virginia driverโs license and reliable transportation
Ability to meet agency, state, and payer credentialing requirements
Ability to maintain professional liability insurance, as required for contracted providers
Essential Responsibilities
Family Skill Implementation and Coaching
Support youth and families in practicing and applying coping strategies introduced in family therapy.
Coach parents/legal representatives in the use of new parenting techniques specific to their childโs mental health and behavioral needs.
Provide real-time modeling and feedback during family interactions to strengthen communication and behavior management strategies.
Participate in family routines and activities to support the application of skills within the home.
Family Education and Support
Provide education to parents/legal representatives regarding their childโs mental health diagnosis and related behavioral concerns, as directed by the therapist.
Identify barriers to implementing therapeutic recommendations and collaborate with the family on practical solutions.
Reinforce measurable progress toward identified PCSP goals.
Collaboration and Communication
Maintain consistent communication with the supervising therapist regarding observed family dynamics, response to interventions, and barriers to progress.
Provide objective, behaviorally specific feedback to support treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
Ensure services do not duplicate other interventions outlined in the memberโs service plan.
Documentation and Compliance
Complete accurate and timely documentation that reflects services delivered, observable behaviors, interventions used, and progress toward goals.
Maintain compliance with agency policies, payer requirements, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
Adhere to confidentiality standards and professional ethical guidelines.
Supervision of Assigned Staff
Provide oversight and support to Job Development and Supported Employment staff as assigned.
Monitor service delivery and provide feedback to ensure alignment with member goals and agency expectations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of child and adolescent development
Ability to coach and model effective parenting and communication strategies
Skill in objective observation and documentation
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries
Strong organizational and time management skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the supervising therapist
Contracted Position Expectations
Contractor is responsible for managing their schedule in coordination with assigned families and the supervising therapist.
Contractor is responsible for maintaining required credentials, clearances, and insurance coverage.
Compensation structure and service expectations will be outlined in the independent contractor agreement.
This contracted role supports families in translating therapeutic recommendations into consistent daily practice, with a focus on measurable improvements in family functioning and youth behavior.