FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER I (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.

Current vacancies at:

Baltimore City Department of Social Services

1510 N. Gilford Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21202

Worcester County Department of Social Services

299 Commerce Street

Snow Hill, MD 21863

Queen Anne's County Department of Social Services

125 Comet Drive

Centerville, MD 21617

A Family Support Worker I is the intermediate 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 do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive moderate 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.

Provides 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;

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: One year 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 orexperiencein 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 the required experience.

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

1. Employees appointed to positions in 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 classification whowork with families with dependent children must successfully complete an approved entry-level training program before permanent appointment to positions.

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 performance of transport duties. Standard mileage allowance will be paid for the use of a privately owned vehicle.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

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

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

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: healthinsurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. If the online application process is not available, please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) to: Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, Attention: Dontia Walker, 311 West Saratoga Street, First Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.Or, email dontia.walker@maryland.gov: Voice410-767-7147, toll-free:1-800-332-6347.

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 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.

Do not submit unsolicited documentation.

The paper application must be received by5 PMon the closing date for the recruitment.Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

TTYUsers: call via Maryland Relay,1-800-925-4434.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.