Family Support & Engagement Specialist Position Available In Okeechobee, Florida

Family Support & Engagement Specialist 3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 208 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972

Healthy Families Martin-Okeechobee Position:

Family Support and Engagement Specialist Reports to:

Supervisor, Healthy Families Martin-Okeechobee Classification:

Hourly, Non-exempt Organizational Level:

Direct Service Employee Distinguishing Characteristics of Work:

The Family Support and Engagement Specialist provides individualized services to families to address risk and challenges by providing guidance, assistance and information in order to support families, improve family functioning, and optimize the home environment for the physical and emotional well being of children.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Begins outreach to families within 24 hours after receipt of the referral and maintains communication with referral sources as needed. 2. Provides ongoing outreach that is consistent and creative, using many methods (telephone calls, text messages, mailings, email, etc.) in an effort to schedule an initial visit either prenatally or within 6 months of baby’s birth. 3. Enrolls families interested in the program and completes an assessment within 30 days of the initial visit. 4. Demonstrates sensitive interviewing and supportive listening skills, using a positive approach to engage families in conversation. 5. Possesses and utilizes extensive knowledge of existing community resources by connecting families to appropriate agencies and guiding them increasingly towards self-sufficiency. 6. Retains families by establishing a trusting relationship and maintaining regular contact. 7. Conducts home visits that are well-planned, creative and individualized to meet each family’s unique needs. 8. Promotes a positive parent-child relationship through modeling, praising and sharing information with families. 9. Attends weekly supervision to discuss pertinent participant issues and for staff development purposes.

Secondary Job Functions:

1. Works well independently and maintains open communication with supervisor, keeping supervisor fully informed of daily schedule and important issues and concerns. Takes initiative to make improvements when guidance or suggestions are given. 2. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. 3. Demonstrates efficient time management. Adheres to requirements regarding documentation, paperwork, performance measures, contracted outcomes and program expectations. 4. Attends and participates in team meetings, trainings, and other required meetings. 5. Respects coworkers’ individual and professional needs. Promotes a positive, productive work environment. 6. Performs other duties as assigned. Takes initiative to offer additional help to others and/or to broaden job knowledge.

Essential Physical Activities:

1. The ability to operate an automobile. 2. The ability to drive from visit to visit getting in and out of the car often throughout the day.

Equipment Used:

1. Computer terminal and printer; fax/copy/scan machine.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience:

2. High School Diploma or equivalent GED certificate. 3. One year of experience working with families and/or young children. 4. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License, have full-time access to a reliable vehicle, and appropriate auto insurance coverage. 5. Proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Office.

Desirable Education, Training, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to relate to families from a strength-based family-centered approach and establish trusting relationships. 2. Knowledge of infant and child development. 3. Strong interpersonal skills/abilities to relate to people with respect for their individuality. 4. Experience and humility in working with culturally diverse populations. 5. Willingness to engage in building reflective practice, including the capacity for introspection, communicating awareness of self in relation to others, recognizing the value of supervision, etc.

Other:

Must have motor vehicle and clean driving record.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $18.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to

Friday Work Location:

In person