In Home Outreach Counselor, Family Preservation

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary:

Wayfinder’s Family Preservation are at risk of having children removed from their home. Through intensive counseling and other services, parents recognize their triggers and learn how to prevent the behaviors that destabilize their family. As a result of Family Preservation, children avoid out-of-home placement or reentry to foster care and can thrive in their nurturing families. This program launched in July 2024 and reflects Wayfinder’s commitment to expanding preventive services that can avert the need for crisis intervention.

The primary focus of The In-Home Outreach Counselor (IHOC) providing intensive, in-home support to at-risk families in Los Angeles County. The primary goal of the position is to prevent child abuse and neglect by addressing issues that place children at risk of out-of-home placement. The IHOC works closely with families to develop individualized service plans, deliver counseling and crisis intervention, and connect them with community resources. This role is crucial in promoting family stability and ensuring the well-being of children within their homes. IHOC ensures that service delivery is trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the needs of each child while maintaining all program requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducts Comprehensive Assessments: Perform initial and ongoing assessments of families' needs, strengths, and risks. Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with families.
• Provides Direct Support and Services: Delivers in-home counseling and crisis intervention. Facilitate parenting education and skill-building activities. Support families in accessing housing, food, healthcare, and employment resources.
• Case Management: Coordinate and monitor the delivery of services as outlined in the service plan. Maintain regular contact with families to assess progress and modify service plans. Work collaboratively with other service providers, including therapists, social workers, and educators.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintains accurate and timely records of all interactions with families. Prepare progress reports and case summaries for internal use and submission to DCFS and other stakeholders.
• Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Stay informed about best practices in family preservation and child welfare.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with at-risk families or in a similar role.
• Experience in home-based services and case management preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, with a broad range of delegated responsibilities.
• Good grammar, diction, and ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of two (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles. Or ability to facilitate travel for and with clients to and from potential job sites and lesson destinations used for training, using available transportation resources which may include public transportation, rideshare, etc.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.