POSITION SUMMARY:

Successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, as guided by the Catholic Social Teachings, by providing direct, compassionate care and supervision to residents of Our Lady's Sanctuary of Grace. The Support Specialist provides day-to-day supervision and support to pregnant and parenting residents and their children within a safe, structured, faith-centered home. Working under the direction of the Senior Director of Housing and in coordination with the Residential Services Coordinator, the Support Specialist assists residents in carrying out their individualized service plans, supports healthy daily living and parenting skills, escorts residents to appointments, and helps maintain a nurturing, secure environment for mothers and infants.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace the broadest definition of neighbor and the characteristics that make them unique, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, social-economic status, education, immigration status, national origin, language, family or marital status, political affiliation, disability, and religious beliefs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Resident Supervision & Support

• Provide direct supervision and oversight of residents and the facility, ensuring a safe, clean, and nurturing living environment for mothers and their children.
• Provide residents with all basic needs and a level of supervision appropriate to each resident's stage of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or parenting needs.
• Support residents in learning and practicing daily living, parenting, and infant care skills; encourage positive skill development.
• Conduct house meetings and participate in shift change meetings to ensure continuity of care.
• Model healthy boundaries, positive communication, and the agency's values of love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, and joy in all resident interactions.
• Empower residents to problem-solve and build self-sufficiency.

Intake, Care Plans & Documentation

• Assist with client intakes and orientation of incoming residents to house rules, program structure, and expectations.
• Support implementation of Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) developed by the Residential Services Manager; reinforce resident goals related to prenatal health, parenting, education, and life skills.
• Complete all required documentation as directed by program policy, including case notes, daily logs, room check logs, incident reports, and medical documentation.

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct regular room checks and safety walkthroughs in accordance with house protocol to ensure the well-being of residents and children.
• Maintain safety, confidentiality, and protection of residents and their children at all times.
• Report suspected child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence in accordance with mandatory reporting laws and organizational policy.
• Adhere to all confidentiality requirements under applicable federal and state law, including HIPAA as applicable.

Programming

• Participate in the planning and implementation of life skills workshops and enrichment activities for individual and group settings.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and conflict de-escalation within the home.
• Build positive relationships with all residents by engaging in meaningful conversations, maintaining positive interactions, and encouraging participation in activities that promote connection and well-being. 

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Mission Alignment

• Demonstrate a passion for the mission of Catholic Charities
• Must be willing to perform by the agency’s values: love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control and joy
• Catholic Charities promotes a diverse workforce. Employees are not required to be Catholic, however, employees of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas must understand that they are a visible representative of the Archdiocesan Church and as such will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching, or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration, or writing including the use of social media or other digital technologies
• Must complete VIRTUS training, background screening, drug testing, and any ongoing training as required

Education, Experience and Expectations

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in case management, social services, residential care, or a related human services field.
• Experience working with pregnant women, mothers, or vulnerable populations strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to be trained in, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strength-based case management approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document clearly and accurately.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while demonstrating genuine compassion and empathy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software (training provided as needed).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, current vehicle insurance and a verified safe driving record. 
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Mandatory reporter training as required by state law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, standing, bending and moving
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds 
• May be exposed to infectious diseases
• Must have physical ability to effectively communicate with others
• Must have the physical ability and appropriate licensure for driving