Coordinate support and resources for families through the Autism Clinic, including conducting home visits and assessments. Assist families in applying for Alabama Department of Mental Health Autism Services and maintain a database of community recommendations.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, social work, or a related field, with experience working with autism spectrum disorder. Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel frequently across the Gulf Coast area.
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm & some weekend sh GOODWILL GULF COAST
Job Description
TITLE: Family Support Specialist DATE WRITTEN: 12/2025 DEPARTMENT: Children and Family Services SUPERVISED BY: Autism Clinic Coordinator SUPERVISES: N/A STATUS: Non-Exempt, Full Time/Part Time Mission Contribution: To ensure effective integration of Goodwill’s mission through the Children and Family Services Department.
Function
Assist in the Autism Clinic in developing a strong relationship with families to identify their needs and services by providing coordination and support to families through resources and in-home visits.
Essential
Functions: (must be able to perform these functions, with or without a reasonable accommodation). Making initial contact with new referrals for Autism Home Visitation Services. Conduct home visits with families as required to provide support, assessments, service coordination, and resource guidance. Collaborate with the Autism Clinic and Autism Home Visitation team members to support families. Attend and actively participate in monthly Autism Clinic team meetings. Develop and maintain a database of family recommendations and assisting families with accessing community resources. Creating and distribute family resource packets. Assisting families with applying for Alabama Department of Mental Health (DMH) Autism Services. Providing services to eligible families through the Alabama DMH-Autism Services program, including services delivered in the home and community settings Assist with Autism Clinic, as needed. 12. Representing and promoting Goodwill through involvement in community activities. 13. Acting as a positive role model for employees and students. 14. Observing safety procedures and ensuring compliance by employees and students. 15. Ensuring regular attendance as outlined in Goodwill policy. 16. Other duties as assigned.
Skills, knowledge and abilities: (these are required to enable job holder to perform the essential functions of the job). 1. Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people. Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public. Ability to use general office equipment including computer and be proficient in basic software applications (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher). 4. Must possess excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills. 5. Must be able to take initiative, make sound decisions and work well with little supervision. Must be able to keep information confidential. 7. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English. 8. Must be able to maintain an effective working relationship with, and among employees while motivating them to their best performance. 9. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, occasionally including nights and weekends and hours in excess of 40 per week. 10. Ability to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress. Must be able to travel frequently through the Gulf Coast area including some overnight stays. Must obtain and retain First Aid/CPR/AED certification and respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency at the worksite according to Goodwill Safety Policies & Procedures. Must have reliable means of transportation, must have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years, liability automobile insurance and be insurable through the agency’s insurance carrier. Must be at least 21 years of age.
QualificationsExperience and
Education
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, social work or a related field. Experience working with autism spectrum disorder. RBT Certification preferred by not required. Advanced computer skills to generate reports and analyze data and make recommendations. Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills Strong ability to problem-solve and make decisions
Physical
Requirements: Must be able to use hands, fingers and wrists, repetitively while using computer keyboard. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to stand, bend, sit on the floor, stoop, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip, and reach with arms, and carry items weighing up to 20 lbs.
Working
Conditions: Adequately lighted and ventilated building. Frequent travel throughout the Gulf Coast area.
Critical
Performance
Factors: Meeting or surpassing performance measures for funded program. Positive relationships with funders, stakeholders, customers and community partners Quality of services provided Adherence to program standards and requirements Management and accountability of resources Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
In Alabama, Family Support Specialist roles are often tied to community-based services and can be competitive because employers look for both a relevant bachelor’s degree and hands-on experience with autism spectrum disorder. Frequent travel across the Gulf Coast and a valid driver’s license are practical requirements that can narrow the applicant pool. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your travel availability and prepare examples of direct family support work.
