1. SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$10,011
Enrollment
13,434
A family specialist is a social worker who provides social services and assistance to families to improve their lives. He/she works with families to improve their social and psychological functioning and promote their safety, permanency, and well-being. A family specialist evaluates the family's needs and then arranges for assistance programs such as affordable housing, food programs, or daycares. He/she also provides counseling and rehabilitation services to families that need them.
Family specialists work very closely with families, other social workers, and service providers to efficiently execute their mandates. They typically work in government agencies, social service agencies, community health centers, correctional facilities, educational institutions, and homeless shelters. It is important that a family specialist is empathetic, has communication skills as well as organizational skills.
Family specialists work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. The job involves frequent travel to families located in diverse areas. Therefore, they may need to work late hours and even during the weekends.
