Family Support Specialist

Are you looking for a career that will make a difference in the lives of

families in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties?

MVCAA is currently recruiting individuals to work with at risk youth, preschool age children and their families Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. (MVCAA) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. MVCAA Offers a Generous Benefit Package!

Status

Full time

Department

Child Development

Description

RATE OF PAY:

$19.84 per hour

JOB FUNCTION:

The Family Support Specialist partners within our agency and the community to provide quality, comprehensive support services to families, children, and individuals in the Mohawk Valley. The Family Support Specialist works in partnership with enrolled families toward the goal of achieving the family’s maximum potential by learning to recognize obstacles, finding resources, solving problems, and ultimately achieving long-term self-sufficiency. The role of the Family Support Specialist is to empower families by individualizing and focusing on strengths of every individual. They serve as a liaison between the classroom and the home.

.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Determine eligibility and/or complete application process for enrollment
• Conducting outreach in the community for the purpose of supporting the full enrollment of the program as well as building the workforce of the agency
• Utilize a strength-based approach with all families to assist them in realizing their potential and increase their self-sufficiency
• Link families to appropriate services and support families with process to help remove barriers
• Assist families with building or maintaining stable health and dental providers and encouraging routine health care and documentation when needed for enrollment
• Regularly assess needs, resources, and trends within the community they serve
• Maintain confidentiality of family records and information
• Maintain documentation in a variety of manual and electronic forms including files, data base entries, records, case notes, etc.
• Engage families in every part of the Head Start / Early Head Start experience
• Learn about and respect family’s culture, race, ethnicity, gender, values, traditions, etc.
• Conduct individual home visits, family education sessions and group meetings
• Attend meetings and trainings as appropriate.
• Adhere to Agency Policies and procedures
• Other duties as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA/AAS or certification in Human Services, counseling or related field required by program within 18 months of hire. Experience in home visiting, group facilitation, direct support preferred
• Must be physically able to perform the duties of the job and lift up to 50 lbs
• Microsoft Office applications, internet, email, data base entry, zoom experience preferred
• Ability to relate to and respect people of varied backgrounds
• Willing and able to travel throughout 3 counties; have reliable transportation
• Knowledge of local community, state, and federal referral sources
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and keep detailed accountability
• Background check, fingerprint clearance, physical exam, and TB

MVCAA, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE:

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people, help themselves and each other.