PATHWAYS YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES INC·Dallas, Texas
The Family Specialist provides ongoing monitoring, support, and case management for foster and adoptive families and clients. Key duties include conducting home visits, facilitating service plan meetings, and ensuring children's educational and medical needs are met.
Non-exempt.QualificationsEducation & Experience Option 1 – A Master's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and one year of supervised child-placing experience; the degree must include the following: Minimum of 9 credit hours in graduate level courses that focus on family and individual function and interaction; or 350 hours of formal, supervised field placement or practicum with a social service or human services agency; Option 2 – A Master's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of supervised child-placing experience; Option 3 – A Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years of supervised child-placing experience; Option 4 – A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of supervised child-placing experience; Option 5 – A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and direct supervision from a person meeting one of the above qualifications. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Thorough working knowledge of needs of children placed in substitute care. Ability to support the agency's culture, growth, and success through communication, accountability, and positivity. Ability to be clear headed and decisive based on the scope of the position. Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team. Ability to appropriately accept feedback through the supervision process thus displaying the willingness to learn, grow, and improve. Effective oral and written communication skills. Skilled in approaching care/services from a strengths-based perspective. Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Go To Meeting, the Internet, and other software applications. Effective organizational skills. Additional Requirements Proof of valid Texas Driver's License (Type C) and at least three years of driving experience. Access to reliable transportation. Proof of valid/current auto insurance. Cleared motor vehicle driving record. Three employment references. Cleared criminal background check and signed statement regarding felony indictments/convictions. Cleared TB test results (current within 12 months prior to employment). Cleared pre-employment drug test. Working cellular telephone. Physical and Mental Demands With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job may include the following: frequent seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly. Occasional reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, frequent sitting, standing and walking may be required for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs, walking up inclines and on uneven terrain. Additional physical requirements may include, frequent lifting and or moving up to 25 pounds. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Candidates must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in human services with 1-3 years of supervised child-placing experience depending on the degree level. Additional requirements include a valid Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation, and passing background and drug screenings.
Market context
In Texas, Family Specialist roles are often tied to child welfare and family support programs, where demand can be steady in agencies serving children and caregivers. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for a human services degree, supervised child-placing experience, and practical readiness such as a Texas driver’s license, reliable transportation, and clearance for background and drug screening. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your degree level and experience align before applying.