FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER LEAD (2024)

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider, serving over one million Marylanders annually. The Department, through its 24 local departments of social services, aggressively pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. DHS works in every community in Maryland to positively impact the lives of Marylanders.

STATEWIDE

Applicants should indicate on their applications all counties (or Baltimore City) where they are willing to accept employment for this classification. As positions become available, our Local Departments of Social Services will consider approved candidates from the eligible list who selected their location.

A Family Support Worker Lead is the lead level of work providing in-home support services that enable individuals to maintain their independence and well-being, assist in preserving the family structure, promote a functional home environment and teach clients to make use of available community resources. Employees in this classification function as members of treatment or service teams and visit clients’ homes to identify needs and provide in-home assistance in activities associated with daily living, personal care, care giving or parenting. Employees in this classification assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level Family Support Workers.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Family Services Caseworker, a Social Worker, a Registered Nurse or other professional. The work requires travel to visit private residences and community based services. The work may involve the lifting of heavy objects such as groceries, furniture, wheel chairs and clients with disabilities.

Assigns and reviews the work of lower-level Family Support Workers who provide in-home support services that enable individuals to maintain their independence and wellbeing, assist in preserving the family structure, promote a functional home environment and teach clients to make use of available community resources.

Trains lower-level Family Support Workers in the procedures, techniques, skills, and knowledge necessary to provide in-home support services to clients.

Visits clients’ homes to identify needs and provide in-home assistance for clients through teaching and demonstrating practical living skills including, but not limited to, meal planning, household maintenance, laundry, shopping, positive parenting and caring for dependents, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationship skills, job readiness, locating and securing housing, and household budgeting.

Assesses clients’ personal and living conditions in conjunction with the treatment or service plan goals to determine the need for specific behavioral changes.

Develops positive relationships with clients in order to gain their acceptance of the In-Home Care Plan and contributes to the client’s physical and emotional health.

Encourages clients to participate in and make use of community resources and services such as child and adult support groups, food pantries, neighborhood services centers and child or adult day care.

Observes behavior of children and adults, records pertinent observations, maintains records of their behaviors and makes recommendations to the services team for possible plan modifications.

Prepares reports for the health care professional, case manager or supervisor on the clients’ physical condition, social and physical environment and services provided in order to assist the in-home care team in developing, monitoring and modifying the clients’ In-Home Care Plan.

Participates in team meetings with the case manager, health care professionals and other persons responsible for developing or modifying the In-Home Care Plans for clients.

Transports and assists clients in obtaining transportation to medical appointments and community centers.

May present Parenting or Job Readiness subject matter to clients in structured training sessions and conduct in-home follow-up.

May assist clients with personal care such as giving baths, shampoos, dressing, feeding or using a bedpan.

May provide temporary care of children or adults in the absence of the caregiver.

May oversee court ordered family visits, testify in court or prepare a client for a court appearance.

Performs other related duties.

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience:Three years of experience providing support services to children or adults through teaching and demonstrating practical living skills in order to promote and maintain independent living or assist in preserving the family structure.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute experience as defined above or experience in child or adult care giving, on a year-for-year basis, for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute ninecredit hours from an accredited college or university in a human service program or human development program such as child development, sociology, social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, criminology, juvenile justice, human growth and development, human services, or mental healthfor one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Social Services classifications or Social Services specialty codes in the SocialScience, Psychology, and Welfare field of work on a year-for-yearbasis for the required experience.

1. Employeesin this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Some positions in this classification may be assigned duties that require the employees to acquire and maintain a license as a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Geriatric Nursing Assistant from the Maryland Board of Nursing at 4201 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21215. Information may be obtained at www.mbon.org/main.php. Obtaining this license within a specified time may be a condition of appointment or probation for these types of positions.

1. Employees in this classificationwhowork with families with dependent children must successfully complete an approved entry-level training program before being granted permanent status.

2. Employeesin this classification may be required to have access to and use their personal automobile in order to transport clients. Verification of appropriate vehicle insurance, which shall include coverage for transporting clients, must be provided to the department prior to the performance of transport duties. Standard mileage allowance will be paid for the use of a privately owned vehicle.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplement questionnaire to: Attention: Cynthia McMillian, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 142 Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If unable to upload, please email requested information only to cynthia.mcmillian@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

If you have any questions concerning this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-7199.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.