Family Support Specialist

If you enjoy working in a supportive work environment serving children and families, the position of Family Support Specialist (FSS) could be a great fit for you.  An FSS is responsible for delivering services using the Healthy Families America (HFA) model for service delivery.  Services are provided in Benton, Carroll, Dyer, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton, and Weakley Counties.  This regular (100%) position is grant-funded, and continuation of employment is dependent upon grant funding. The official workstation is located at UT Martin.

Responsibilities

•    Maintain an average caseload of 15 families.
•    Coordinate home-based activities using evidence-based curricula.
•    Work with families and supervisors toward developing a plan for each child and family, taking into consideration the program goals, the individual needs of the family members and community resources.
•    Encourage and support parent involvement and participation according to program goals.
•    Demonstrate advanced observation skills and use observation of family dynamics to identify protective factors, strengths, risk factors, and implement appropriate support.
•    Conduct developmental screenings and other assessments as needed to determine child and family needs.
•    Make referrals and connect families to needed resources in the community.
•    Attend regular staff meetings, in-service training, and other meetings and conferences as required.
•    Consistently and accurately complete all paperwork as required by the agency in a timely manner.
•    Complete HFA Core training, ongoing training as requested and obtain and maintain Infant Mental Health Endorsement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in public health, human services, early childhood education or other fields related to working with children and families.
•    One to two years of experience working with or providing services to children and families; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Knowledge of infant, child development, maternal-infant health.
•    Working knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and neglect and family violence.
•    Experience and willingness to work with the culturally diverse populations that are present among the program’s target population of children and families.
•    Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Two years of home visitation experience
•    Working knowledge of Healthy Families America home visitation model

Application Process:  Qualified applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter, resume, two-three letters of reference, and a transcript.
Application Deadline:  Applicant review will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been identified.
Minimum hiring rate $42,671.25 annually (Market Range 7) - Salary is commensurate with education and experience.