Family Support Specialist

Family Support Specialist

This position provides individualized, culturally-competent and strengths-based case management to a caseload of 35-40 at-risk families enrolled in Dimock's Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Assists families in identifying goals for themselves and their children and supports them in reaching those goals. Encourages parents/guardians to be frequent and active participants in the program. Works closely with classroom, content area and management staff to ensure that children and families receive high-quality, comprehensive, integrated Early Head Start/Head Start services.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Required – a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field

Experience: Required – Individuals with a degree in a field other than Social Work must have at least three courses related to family functioning, support, development, systems, etc.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to articulate an awareness of self, values, and ethics as they impact ones work with families and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to facilitate families' problem-solving and teach problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach, consult, educate, and utilize counseling skills, where appropriate.
• Ability to advocate for the family and support them in advocating for themselves.
• Ability to identify (with the family) options, resources, and consequences to address crisis and support families in making decisions and taking active steps to resolve current crises and be prepared to address future crises.
• Ability to apply knowledge of health, mental health, disabilities, and child development in order to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Ability to analyze community resources to family needs and identify unmet family needs.
• Professional, positive attitude when performing all duties.
• Ability to make decisions and act based on family support principles, theories, practices, and code of ethics.

Excellent oral and written communication skills - bilingual (English

Essential Functions/Performance Standards:

Job Knowledge:

1. The employee is able to fulfill all of the requirements of the job assigned in a satisfactory manner as demonstrated by:
2. Provide individualized, culturally-competent and strengths-based case management to an assigned caseload of 35-40 families enrolled in Dimock's Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
3. Develop and maintain Individual Family Partnership Agreements with assigned families that support them in reaching family stability and school readiness goals for themselves and their children.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of outreach and recruitment activities designed to reach Early Head Start/Head Start-eligible families most in need of services.
5. Complete enrollment paperwork for families entering the program, including developmental screenings.
6. Conduct a minimum of one home visit per year to build relationships with families and further assess strengths and needs.
7. Provide parents/guardians with an orientation to the program and services provided (large group and one-on-one as needed).
8. Support families during internal program transitions and/or transitions to other programs, communities and schools.
9. Actively encourage parents and other family members to participate in workshops, parent meetings, parent committee/Policy Council and other program events.
10. Schedule and facilitate interdisciplinary meetings as necessary to promote service integration.
11. Refer families to community resources and follow-up on the effectiveness of referrals.
12. Identify and develop community partnerships to provide needed services to families.
13. Keep complete and accurate records of required communication with families regarding student absences.
14. Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive documentation – both paper files and in PROMIS.
15. Communicate regularly with assigned families using multiple strategies to include, but not limited to: written notes, newsletters, informal verbal interactions, formal conferences and e-mails. Communication should be in the preferred language of the parent whenever possible.
16. Provide classroom coverage on an occasional basis as requested by Site Management.
17. Participate in program monitoring, review and/or assessment activities as appropriate.
18. Recognize and report suspected physical and sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
19. Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
20. Perform other duties as assigned

Quality:

1. Adheres to the center/departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
2. Can be depended upon to meet established standards and achieve desired results.
3. Pays attention to details in performing job.

Efficiency:

1. Shows ability to prioritize responsibilities in order to achieve desired results in required time frame.
2. Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
3. Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
4. Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
5. Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.

Human Relations/Communications:

1. Projects a positive attitude in professional and personal interactions in the work environment.
2. Uses effective verbal and written communication skills.
3. Cooperates with others, demonstrating respect and courtesy.
4. Maintains professional behavior in stressful situations.

Maturity/Responsibility:

1. Exhibits professional demeanor in tone of voice, appearance, and movement.
2. Maintains a high standard of confidentiality regarding the patients, visitors, and co-workers.
3. Demonstrates serious effort to improve job performance

Attendance:

1. Adheres to The Dimock Center's policies regarding attendance and tardiness
2. Follows policies related to work and breaks
3. Assists in meeting scheduling needs in helping to cover for absences, emergencies, times of heavy workload, holidays, and vacations.

Salary Range: The approved range is $26.24 to $31.36 per hour.

The incumbent of this position is expected to perform this job in a manner consistent with the values, mission and philosophy of The Dimock Center.