What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Support Specialist position at Odyssey Family Executive Center of South Norwalk,...?
Family Support Specialist
ABOUT US:
The Odyssey Family Executive Center of South Norwalk’s mission is to work in partnership with families, community organizations, and industry leaders to provide access to information, resources, and career pathways that will position families to improve outcomes for their children and themselves. The Center recognizes that socioeconomic disparities are the breeding grounds for generational poverty which drives our commitment to tackle the opportunity gaps that have hindered the families of South Norwalk for far too long.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Center seeks a Family Support Specialist (FSS) with education and/or experience related to maternal health and/or newborn care and development to initiate and maintain regular and long-term contact/support to families. Activities will occur primarily within the family’s home or wherever the family is most comfortable (ex: our Center, library, etc.). The FSS provides family-centered and strength-based interventions directed at establishing a trusting relationship; assisting 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 advocate for themselves and their children. The FSS will also identify and refer families to other supportive services within the Center and throughout Norwalk. As a vital member of the Center team, the FSS will contribute to the general operations and support of the Center.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (not limited to):
Responsible for completing needs assessments with parents after enrollment
Support the development of parent-child relationship
Maintain visitation schedules
Responsible for keeping families engaged
Use reflective practice techniques to connect with parents
Assist families in establishing goals
Assess the growth and development of the target child
Enter and track family information and progress in database
Contribute to the operations of the Center providing administrative and operational support as needed
SELECTION CRITERIA AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in human services or fields related to education and family support services (required)
Education (certification, training, etc.) or 2 years or more experience related to maternal health and/or newborn care and development (preferred)
Reliable transportation and valid CT driver’s license (required)
Experience working with or providing services to children and their families, primarily within the 0-3 age population
Ability to establish trusting relationships
Experience providing services to culturally diverse communities
Interest to learn about infant and child development
Open to providing and receiving reflective practice
Infant mental health endorsement (preferred)
Strong communication and writing skills
Time management and organizational skills
Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude
Commitment to equity and the Center’s mission
This is a grant-funded position guaranteed for 3 years, with the potential for a two-year extension. Although the Center intends to maintain this role for the long term, we cannot guarantee employment beyond 3 years.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Language:
- Spanish (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person