Casa de los Niños
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB IDENTIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Family Support Specialist I
PROGRAM: Healthy Families
DEPARTMENT: Community Education & Family Support
FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt
REPORT TO: Health Families Program Supervisor
WRITTEN BY: Program Supervisor
APPROVED BY: Department Director
DATE REVIEWED: October 2007
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
JOB SUMMARY:
The Family Support Specialist is responsible for providing home-based intervention services, referral and coordination of activities for overburdened families of newborns participating in the Healthy Families Program.
Minimum Requirements: Associate’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related behavioral health field, plus two years of related experience; or a high school diploma plus five years of related experience. Must have a valid Arizona driver’s license and meet coverage qualifications of the Casa de los Niños automobile insurance provider.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
- Ability and attitude to work and respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
- Ability to interact effectively with families.
- Knowledge of child development.
- Experience working with at-risk children and their families.
- Flexibility in scheduling (able to work limited nights and weekends).
- Ability to work effectively on a family support team and to work well independently.
- Extensive knowledge of community resources.
- Bilingual preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Displays initiative and enthusiasm.
- Must have transportation, a current Arizona Driver’s license and automobile liability insurance.
- Ability to be non-judgmental, show compassion, empathy, and insightfulness.
- Ability to establish a trusting relationship.
- Has problem solving and practical skills.
- Has successful parenting and/or child care experience, including experience with infants.
- Has a respect for and sensitivity to the needs and rights of others, specifically including those with differing cultural, racial, or ethic identity.
- Has good listening skills.
- Has the ability to foster self-sufficiency and independence in families.
- Demonstrates maturity and emotional well being.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Conducts initial visit with family to begin trust building.
- Conducts home visits to assess family needs and promote positive parent-child relationships.
- Utilizes child development curriculum with family each week.
- Establishes case plan with family and Program Supervisor using the Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP).
- Provides emotional support and offers concrete suggestions to families.
- Acts as a positive role model.
- Maintains family records in accordance with agency and funding source requirements.
- Meets weekly with Program Supervisor to review each case.
- Reviews records with Program Supervisor on a monthly basis.
- Works cooperatively with Child Protective Services (CPS) to prevent abuse and/or neglect.
- Makes CPS referrals when appropriate.
- Provides case management services.
- Arranges transportation to medical appointments and to obtain other social services.
- Establishes and monitors a tracking system for well-baby visits including immunizations.
- Coordinates community services including but not limited to, Section 8 housing programs, churches, day care and respite programs, employment training and continuing education programs, referrals to shelters, and alcohol and drug treatment services.
- Attends and participates in all scheduled Healthy Families conferences, seminars, and in-service training.
- Computer skills: Must be proficient in Microsoft Windows Word, Outlook, email communications and the Internet.
- Performs other related duties as required.
- Must drive and/or transport clients on behalf of Casa de los Niños.
OTHER RELEVENT INFORMATION
Relationships:
The Family Support Specialist reports directly to the Program Supervisor of Healthy Families. The Family Support Specialist also works with families assigned to them, other members of the team, all Healthy Families staff in the Pima County Collaboration, Healthy Families Quality Assurance Team and State Coordinators, and all outside agencies as appropriate to the families on his/her caseload.
Authority:
The Family Support Specialist has authority to make decision regarding families on his/her caseload within the scope of the job responsibilities. The Family Support Specialist however, must seek supervision regarding these decisions; and he or she must consult the Program Supervisor before making decisions regarding reports to CPS or police (unless immediate and imminent danger exists).
Working Conditions:
See personnel file for signed forms on risks to this job.
Level of Supervision: Moderate