FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

The Alaska Center for Resource Families (ACRF) in Anchorage is looking for a family support specialist to make a difference in the lives of foster families and the children they serve. We’re looking for a skilled professional who can provide training and support to families through excellent communication and supportive listening skills. Come join an exceptional team of experts who care deeply and are dedicated to both supporting each other and families.

ABOUT US

Northwest Resource Associates (https://www.nwresource.org/) is a nonprofit child welfare agency. We envision every young person having family that nurtures their growth and potential. We work toward this vision by designing and delivering programs and technology that empower youth, strengthen families, and improve child welfare systems. More than four decades old, we are headquartered in Seattle, WA, and have offices in Alaska and Oregon as well. You can find our program work at the following websites:

• AdoptUSKids (https://adoptuskids.org)
• Alaska Center for Resource Families (https://www.acrf.org/)
• Northwest Adoption Exchange (https://www.nwae.org/)
• Oregon Post-adoption Resource Center (https://www.orparc.org/)

Equity and inclusion are priorities across all programs at Northwest Resource Associates. We are passionate about inclusive and affirming policy and practice and are recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children, All Families program. We seek staff diversity in ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. In addition, we welcome applications from those with lived experience in foster care or with adoption. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Alaska Center for Resource Families, funded by the Alaska Office of Children’s Services (OCS), provides a continuum of services to ensure that families can meet the needs of children and youth who are in foster care or who have been adopted. ACRF provides information, training, and support to "resource families”—prospective and current foster parents, adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and guardians. ACRF has offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Our ideal candidate will be an empathetic professional who can listen to families and take a solutions-based approach to providing them with the support they deserve. They will bring energy, optimism, and a collaborative approach to helping resource families meet their yearly training requirements. They will share our commitment to equity and believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported and valued.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one support, training, and information to resource families, specifically in the Anchorage region.
• Help families complete their annual training requirements.
• Participate in and collaborate on team-wide projects and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Skilled in family support, counseling, and/or supportive listening.
• Familiar with and knowledgeable about issues in foster care and/or adoption.
• Self-motivated and creative in solving problems.
• Knowledgeable about trauma-informed caregiving and comfortable with parent coaching.
• Experience with providing training in both online and one-on-one settings.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or professional or personal experience with adoption, foster, or relative care.
• Experience working collaboratively and effectively with others remotely.

LOCATION, SALARY AND BENEFITS, AND HOW TO APPLY

LOCATION

This is an Anchorage based position. Team members work in our downtown Anchorage office that’s regularly staffed to serve, but also have some flexibility in their schedules.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with an anticipated starting salary of $52,000.

We offer flexible work schedules, 3.5 to 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, 15 to 16 paid, holidays per year, paid sick leave, a generous family leave policy, a retirement plan contribution, optional 403b plan, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and commuter benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a brief cover letter describing why you might be a fit for the position and your resume via our Jotform: https://form.jotform.com/241837103639155

We will accept applications until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person