Family Support Specialist/Program Case Manager - Franklin, TN

Family Support Specialist / Program Case Manager · E.L.I.'s House – Franklin, TN Full-Time | 40+ Hours Per Week · Reports To: Director of Operations · About E.L.I.'s House · E.L.I.'s House is a faith-based nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping women and their children to thri ...

Job description

Family Support Specialist / Program Case Manager

E.L.I.'s House – Franklin, TN Full-Time | 40+ Hours Per Week

Reports To: Director of Operations

About E.L.I.'s House

E.L.I.'s House is a faith-based nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping women and their children to thrive after trauma. Through holistic care, structured programming, accountability, and Christ-centered principles, we walk alongside families on their journey toward healing, restoration, and long-term independence.

Position Overview

The Family Support Specialist serves as the primary case manager for resident mothers and their children, providing comprehensive, individualized support within a residential ministry setting. This role delivers trauma-informed case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, parenting guidance, and life skills development tailored to each family's unique needs.

In addition to direct client care, this position plays an active role in helping manage, guide, and facilitate the overall residential program. The Family Support Specialist contributes to program implementation, structure, and accountability processes to ensure families are progressing toward clearly defined goals and long-term self-sufficiency.

This role is essential in cultivating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment while driving measurable outcomes for the families we serve. The ideal candidate demonstrates emotional maturity, strong organizational skills, sound judgment in high-pressure situations, and full alignment with the faith-based mission and values of E.L.I.'s House.

1. Key Responsibilities: Case Management & Individualized Planning

• Conduct intake assessments, review applications, and interview potential residents and their children
• Develop individualized service plans (ISPs) with clear goals, timelines, and accountability measures
• Provide weekly one-on-one meetings with each resident
• Track progress toward employment, education, parenting, financial stability, and personal development goals
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation, including case notes, incident reports, drug testing results, and progress reports
• Monitor compliance with program requirements and house guidelines
• Prepare written reports for internal review and potential external partners

2. Advocacy & External Coordination

• Assist residents in accessing government benefits and securing necessary documentation
• Provide court advocacy related to custody matters, DCS involvement, and legal proceedings
• Provide court advocacy and support for legal matters, custody issues, and DCS (Department of Child Services) involvement for both Guests and their children.
• Assist Guest with coordinating care with therapists, schools, medical providers, caseworkers, and community partners
• Support family reunification efforts when applicable

3. Child & Parenting Support

• Assist Guests and their children with daily routines, time management, and parenting guidance.
• Provide case management support for resident children
• Assist Guest in coordinating access to education, healthcare, therapy, and developmental services
• Encourage and coach mothers in active parenting and school involvement
• Offer practical parenting education and life skills development
• Assist Guest in scheduling tutors, mentors, and child-centered services

4. Crisis Intervention & Emotional Support

• Monitor for safety concerns and crisis situations
• Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
• Respond professionally and calmly to emergencies
• Maintain strong professional boundaries while providing compassionate care
• Support residents in developing emotional regulation and healthy coping skills

5. Residential Program Oversight

• Enforce program structure, curfews, and house expectations with consistency and grace
• Collaborate with other team members to maintain a structured and supportive atmosphere for all Guests and their children
• Assist House Manager with regular room and facility checks
• Assist House Manager with overseeing self-administered medications according to policy
• Assist House Manager with Providing transportation to appointments, court dates, school meetings, and other required outings
• Assist with special events and weekend programming when needed

6. Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Coordinate volunteers supporting tutoring, mentoring, and programming
• Represent E.L.I.'s House professionally in all community interactions
• Assist with donor appreciation and community correspondence
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events

7. Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Maintain organized, audit-ready case files
• Track program outcomes and measurable impact data
• Report incidents or safety concerns promptly to leadership
• Contribute to program improvement initiatives
• Complete any additional tasks or duties requested by the supervisor with excellence and a team spirit.

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in case management, residential programming, crisis intervention, or trauma-informed care preferred
• Experience working with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, addiction, or family instability strongly preferred

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries in a residential ministry setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Calm, steady presence in crisis situations
• Ability to enforce structure with consistency and compassion
• Cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance (ability to occasionally transport Guests and their children in personal vehicles or Eli's House vehicles)

Faith & Mission Alignment

• Active support of E.L.I.'s House Christian mission and values
• Willingness to integrate faith-based principles appropriately within programming
• Agreement with the organization's guiding beliefs

Work Environment

This role operates within a residential setting serving women and children healing from trauma. The position includes direct client interaction, administrative responsibilities, transportation duties, and occasional crisis response. Emotional resilience and strong personal boundaries are essential.

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• Compassionate yet boundaried
• Emotionally mature and steady
• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Team-oriented and adaptable
• Passionate about restoring families
• Comfortable balancing grace with accountability

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person