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Job Description
Works under the supervision of the Program Manager/Supervisor to assist families by increasing their ability to maintain a safe and nurturing home for their children and to parent effectively. The Family Support Specialist (FSS) will provide support and education for parents and children according to the Healthy Families America Best Practice Standards to assist families in strengths-based parenting. The FSS works collaboratively with parent/caregivers utilizing the Growing Great Kids Curriculum and through the development of individual family service plans. The FSS supports the efforts of the family through education, advocacy, problem-solving and support of the group process.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide strengths based, in-home guidance in positive parenting skills, child development, basic living skills, emotional regulation, home and child safety, advancement of education, and assist families to achieve a higher level of functioning in their day-to-day life. 2. Develops an excellent knowledge of community resources and documents this so that it can easily be shared with others in the community. 3. Collaborates and develops positive working relationships with health care providers, social service agencies, government offices, faith-based organizations and other community resources to advocate on behalf of clients. 4. Engage in tasks necessary to the provision of direct service, including but not limited to: a. Family documentation utilizing the FamilyWise Database, including home visit notes, maintaining current immunization and health records, developmental screenings and other family assessments, individual family service plans, and level change forms, completed in accordance with agency policy/procedure. b. Driving to and from home-based appointments. c. Responding to client referrals and/or emergencies in person if needed within specified time frames, such as within two hours; and being on-call as needed for client referrals and issues. 5. Participate in weekly reflective supervision sessions with the Program Supervisor. 6. Participates in gathering data and implementing Continuous Quality Improvement projects as defined by the program. 7. Complete training necessary to perform position and necessary for professional growth, including, but not limited to, evidence-based home visitation model training and curriculum training. 8. Represents Public Health Solutions District Health Department in a manner consistent with its core mission. 9. Participates in Department sponsored planning including the development of strategies, project proposals goals and objectives. 10. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers including those representing other public health, social, and educational disciplines. This involves coordination of activities and programs, communication, and respect for other disciplines. 11. Show flexibility with regard to work schedule (to be determined by Program Director or supervisor); some evening or weekend work will be required. 12. Maintains confidentiality particularly as it relates to the HIPAA. Complies with licensure requirements and Department policies and procedures including smoke, drug-free and safety belt workplace policies. 13. Performs other related duties as assigned as necessary to accomplishing the Department mission.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Ability to maintain confidentiality. 2. Ability to establish rapport with families with a non-judgmental respectful personality and strong interpersonal skills. Understanding and appreciation of culture and diversity and diverse interests of people and groups and skill in working with families who may not want services. 3. Ability to read, understand, and follow departmental procedures, and various laws and regulations. 4. Ability to learn about resources for wellness and other community resources. 5. Understanding of public health problems and the societal and economic factors that contribute to them. 6. Ability to gather and analyze a variety of information. 7. Ability to present information effectively both orally and in writing. 8. Basic proficiency in computer/software applications. 9. An ability to establish trusting relationships and acceptance of individual differences.
REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION
A high school diploma or GED is required. An Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in social/human services or related field desired.
EXPERIENCE
Experience in maternal-child health, child development, home visitation, or community-based services. Knowledge of infant and child development. Experience and humility to work with culturally diverse individuals.
OTHER:
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is preferred, but not required. A valid driver's license and auto insurance coverage is required and must be able to safely operate a vehicle. Must be willing to travel and spend some evenings and potentially week-end hours in job related activities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands, talk, and hear. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds up to a level of 3 feet. Ability to safely maneuver/navigate in a disorderly and potentially hazardous environment
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Public Health Solutions is fair and equal in all of its employment practices for persons without discrimination based upon age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, religion, nationality, political affiliation, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, disability or handicap, genetic information, pregnancy, family medical history, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws of the individual under consideration. Additionally, we embrace diverse teams and perspectives and we find strength in the diversity of cultural backgrounds, ideas, and experiences.
EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I acknowledge that I have been given, read, and understand the job duties pertaining to the position of Family Support Specialist. I understand that PHS administration has the right to revise and change the job description as needed for the good of the department. My employment is not under an employment contract or for any guaranteed period, but is an "at-will" position as described in the Personnel Policies. All positions at PHS are pursuant to available funding.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off
