Job: Family Support Specialist - Sierra Vista

POSITION: The Family Support Specialist is responsible for providing home-based intervention services, referral coordination of activities for overburdened families of newborns identified through the Healthy Families program. This position reports directly to the Program Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Conduct initial visit with family to begin trust building.
* Conduct home visits to assess family needs and promote positive parent/child interaction.
* Utilize child development curriculum with family each week.
* Establish case plan with Program Supervisor and family using Individual Family Support Plan.
* Provide emotional support and offer concrete suggestions.
* Act as a positive role model.
* Maintain family records in accordance with agency and funding source requirements.
* Meet weekly with Program Supervisor to review each case.
* Review records with Program Supervisor on monthly basis.
* Work cooperatively with Child Protective Services (CPS) to prevent child abuse or neglect.
* Make CPS referrals when appropriate.
* Provide case management services.
* Arrange transportation to medical appointments and to obtain other social services.
* Establish and monitor a tracking system for well-baby visits, including immunizations.
* Coordinate community services including but not limited to, Section 8 Housing Program, churches, day care and respite programs, employment training and continuing education programs, referrals to shelter, alcohol and drug treatment services.
* Attend and participate in all scheduled Healthy Families conferences, seminars and in-service trainings.
* Perform other related duties as requested.
* Participate in agency’s continuous quality improvement process.

REQUIREMENTS:

* Associates Degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related behavioral health field, plus two years of related experience; or a high school degree plus five years of related experience.
* Ability to interact effectively with families.
* Knowledge of child development.
* Experience working with at-risk children and their families.
* Ability to work effectively on a family support team.
* Extensive knowledge of community resources.
* Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences.
* Bilingual Spanish preferred.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* Must have transportation, a current Arizona Driver’s License, and automobile liability insurance.