FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
FAMILY STABILIZATION

HUMAN SERVICES

Human Resources
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for providing on-going support, parent
education and coordination of services for low to high risk families in the Family Stabilization Unit.
This position reports to a Family Services Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides supportive services to families receiving in-home services that have been identified as at-risk
for abuse and/or neglect including connecting families to resources, making referrals for services,
assisting clients with following court recommendations, addressing child safety and risk factors,
providing parent education, and transportation. Models, coaches and provides parenting instruction
in age appropriate and effective child behavior management techniques; identifies and responds to
family needs and assesses progress towards maintaining family stability; monitors health and safety of
children and families, offers instruction and resources in family well-being topics such as budgeting,
financial planning, parent effectiveness, child development and child management techniques. Serves
as a secondary on Family Support and In-Home cases.

Performs a wide array of related services including attending and coordinating related meetings and
seeking to resolve crises for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food, and
clothing. Makes referrals for services by being knowledgeable of local services and resources, while
working with service providers in the community. May serve on interagency service assessment teams,
and as a client advocate in accessing services and working with other agencies such as schools, courts,
and mental health providers. Acts as an advocate for clients’ rights. May attend court hearings and
testifies as necessary; attends regular supervision meetings to discuss caseloads.

Serves as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies, state communities, professional boards and task
force groups. Remains abreast of current statewide policy initiatives and best practices related to the
Human Services field.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Page 1 of 3
PC#51267
Revised: 05/01/2023 

Human Services - Knowledge of social work principles and practices including federal, state, and
local regulations affecting human service programs. Knowledge of programs, social economic
trends and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services. 

Case Management - Knowledge of case management techniques, principles and practices to
evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to customers and their families. 

Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Judgment/Decision Making — Evaluates the best method of research and then exercising
appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considering the
relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related
software with reasonable speed and accuracy. 

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with customers, employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and
organizations.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology to meet strict
deadlines. 

Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so
others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to
listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services or a related field with 1- 3 years of related experience
providing services to children and families, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience providing evidence based home-visiting services, preferred.




ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex
offender registry check.

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.

Page 2 of 3
PC#51267
Revised: 05/01/2023

In the event of a declared emergency in the City of Newport News, individuals in this position are
required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the
safety and care of the citizens of the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
pounds). 

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Page 3 of 3
PC#51267
Revised: 05/01/2023