HF Family Support Specialist

JOBS SUMMARY: The Family Support Specialist is responsible for initiating and maintaining regular (at least weekly) and long-term (up to five years) contact/support with families. This activity will occur primarily within the family’s home and be intensive (each visit should last for at least one hour to an hour and a half). The interventions should be family-centered and strength-based and directed at establishing a trusting relationship; assisting parents in strengthening the parent-child relationship; assisting parents in improving their skills to optimize the home environment; improving the family support system; and increasing the family’s ability to problem solve and assume the role of advocate for themselves and their children. The activities may also include identifying and referring for contact/appointments at other supportive agencies, including health care appointments. The Family Support Specialist will also be responsible for assisting the family in establishing goals and a plan for accomplishment of those goals, as well as the assessment of the normal growth and development of the target child. Substance abuse intervention experience is needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establishes a trusting relationship with an increasing number of families and maintains regular family contact at an annual average of 75% home visits due. Establishes and maintains a full weighted caseload.

Develops with family, an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP’s) within 6 months of birth of baby with active guidance from Program Supervisor. Reviews and revises IFSP’s at least every 6 months with families and Program Supervisor. Uses IFSP as a guide for service delivery, and is reflected (or enhanced) in follow-up updated to plan.

Completes Ages and Stages developmental screen with families in a timely manner as defined by program objectives and with active guidance from Program Supervisor coordinating w/ appropriate team members or partner agencies. Assures appropriate referrals are made.

Familiarizes self with parent-child interaction and child development concepts, materials such as evidence-informed curricula and toys, and tools such as books, online resources, videos. Uses these concepts and materials within home visits using active guidance from Program Supervisor. Evidenced by consistently using toys, crafts and other activities, videos, and a variety of curricula. Adult learning styles are accommodated to degree possible.

Familiarizes self with the dynamics of child abuse and neglect. Immediately, within the same working day, brings concerns related to potential child abuse and neglect to Program Supervisor as required by role of mandated reporter.

Familiarizes self with the principles of supporting nurturing relationships, such as reflective listening, active observation, and gathering and offering information in a non-judgmental manner with active guidance from Program Supervisor.

Meets with Program Supervisor on a weekly basis to review family status. Develops skills in sharing interventions, perceptions and needs with Supervisor. Documents plans made in conjunction with Supervisor. Develops strategies to follow through with those plans with active guidance from Supervisor.

Participates in regular staff meetings, training’s, case conferences, in-service training and other meetings as required and in a professional manner. Integrates training into professional action with active guidance from the Supervisor.

Enters all data into data system and completes daily reports, records and forms in a timely manner. Maintains participant notebooks and other client files in a confidential manner.

Familiarizes self with community resources and, with guidance from Program Supervisor, acts as a liaison between families and other community agencies in a manner consistent with promoting family self-sufficiency. Encourages families’ direct utilization of resources.

Meets all training requirements (as listed in Training Plan and online training system) by attending, Orientation, Wrap Around, instrument and other required training sessions, as well as ongoing training. Completes necessary training forms, provides completed forms, agendas and certificates to Program Supervisor. Maintains a training notebook and enters data into required forms and online system.

Attends public relations and advocacy events as requested and in a professional manner.

Demonstrates competency in reading and writing in English. Records pertinent information related to family observations, actions, and health behaviors. Documents activities and interventions in a complete and concise manner no later than 48 hours after family contact. Documents all other contacts made with family and professionals. Maintains accurately and timely documentation in participant file. Completes all required reports accurately and on time.

Familiarizes self with the team, including private or public team members. Communicates and relates in a professional manner in all interpersonal staff relationships.

Assists in planning and preparing for parent and/or program with active guidance from Program Supervisor. Assist family with transportation either by referral to resources or transporting participants to group or other appointments as necessary.

Works with families in a manner that reduces risk factors and promotes the development of protective factors.

Familiarizes self with and abides by agency and Healthy Families for Southwest Virginia policies and procedures as well as, Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. employee handbook.

Performs other related duties as assigned.