JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Family Support Specialist
Reports to: CMH Program
JOB SUMMARY
Provides family support, education, resource referral, and community outreach services for families whose children are at risk for out of home placement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
1. Coordinates, plans and implements services in partnership with families and other team members.
2. Has strong written/oral communication skills with diverse populations including; families, team members and public.
3. Contributes to the professional reputation of the agency.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: early childhood education, social work, or other human service area OR experience may be substituted for formal education on a year-to-year basis. Two years experience working with children and their families.
Ability to obtain Alaska drivers license and liability insurance as well as travel in small planes.
Grade 11
Performance Standards
Family Support Specialist
1. Coordinates, plans and implements services in partnership with families and other team members. (KSA)
Function: Coordinates services for families.
Standards:
a) Considers family routines, activities and household materials when planning activities and recommending strategies.
b) Provides follow-up family support and resource referral on an as needed basis.
c) Collaborates with community service providers and/or health professionals to coordinate services for families.
Function: Develops effective Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSPs).
Standards:
a) Develops, monitors, and updates Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in partnership with families.
b) Writes goals that support family-centered, measurable, and functional outcomes.
c) Effectively utilizes North Carolina Family Assessment Scale for General Services and Reunification (NCFAS-G+R) to assess family strengths and needs and integrates those into IFSP.
Function: Provides family education programs that lead to increased parenting and protective skills.
Standards:
a) Teaches evidence based curriculums to families, adjusting programming to meet the family’s cultural and social needs.
b) Considers family routines, activities and household materials when planning activities and recommending strategies.
2. Has strong written/oral communication skills with diverse populations including; families, team members and the public. (KSA)
Function: Practices effective communication with families and the public.
Standards:
a) With written permission, refers families to other services as needed and regularly communicates with other providers.
b) Is positive in interactions with families and other providers.
c) Is sensitive and considerate regarding the limitations, feelings and anxieties of others.
d) Seeks regular feedback from families regarding the effectiveness of services.
e) Adapts to communication styles of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
f) Listens and asks for clarification when necessary.
g) Is dependable and follows through on commitments.
Function: Practices effective communication with other team members.
Standards:
a) Is positive in interactions with other team members.
b) Listens and asks for clarification when necessary.
c) Avoids defensiveness and seeks mutual understanding.
d) Gives feedback in a constructive way.
e) Is dependable and follows through on commitments.
f) Avoids gossip and negative comments about others.
g) Is sensitive and considerate regarding the limitations, feelings and anxieties of others.
h) Holds other team members in high esteem.
Function: Practices effective communication with supervisor.
Standards:
a) Seeks clarification and follows through on expectations regarding which actions changes must be approved by supervisor.
b) Listens and asks for clarification when necessary.
c) Avoids defensiveness and seeks mutual understanding with supervisor.
d) Gives feedback to supervisor in a constructive way.
e) Is dependable and follows through on commitments to supervisor.
Function: Written Communication (contact log, reports, documentation) is clear, concise and timely.
Standards:
a) All communication with families is documented in program notes.
b) Reports are written in understandable language and completed within established timelines.
3. Contributes to the professional reputation of the agency. (KSA)
Function: Represents the agency in a professional manner.
Standards:
a) Actively participates in professional interagency meetings/organizations.
b) Is aware of, and adheres to interagency agreements.
c) Maintains neat, professional appearance and work area.
Function: Adheres to all agency policies and procedures.
Standards:
a) Locates and refers to agency policy/procedures from supervisor.
b) Asks for clarification regarding policies/procedures from supervisor.
Function: Adheres to all State and Federal laws and regulations.
Standards:
a) Locates and refers to applicable laws/regulations.
b) Asks for clarification re-policies/procedures from supervisor.