Family Support Specialist II

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Works with individuals, families and groups in order to optimize the home environment for the physical and mental well-being of children who are at risk of being abused/neglected and their families. Assists in strengthening the parent/child relationship through improving parenting skills and empowering families to become self-sufficient.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Establishes a trusting relationship with at-risk families by initiating and maintaining regular participant contact with them in their home. Works with individuals and groups. Establishes a family support plan with goals, objectives, and activities in collaboration with parents and supervisor. Responsible for completing various paperwork related to family contact and program evaluation. Meets with supervisor on a weekly basis to evaluate participant status.

Assists parents in making and attending appointments for doctors, social service agencies, etc. Acts as a liaison between families and other community agencies and will provide/arrange transportation for the participant as appropriate. Attends regular staff meetings, case staffing, in-services training and other meetings as required. Documents home visit observations and activities in a consistent and timely manner. Demonstrates an ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Consistently follows County, Healthy Families Polk and Healthy Families Florida policies and procedures. Acts as a mentor to new employees in a Family Support Worker I position. Conducts peer reviews on a regular basis to assist with the quality improvement of the program.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to accept individual differences. Ability to follow proper universal precautions and infections control techniques per policy. Responsible for maintaining a professional and safe department and work area in line with established Safety Policies and the image desired for the organization. Maintains and demonstrates current knowledge and operational techniques on all pieces of equipment utilized by this position. Ability to use curriculum, developmental, and assessment tools.

Ability to become familiar with community resources and utilize such resources to meet participant's needs. Ability to satisfactorily implement case plan. Responsible for attending required meetings, required services, conferences, etc. Must possess good interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to relate to participants in a non-judgmental manner while maintaining cultural sensitivity. Ability to display a positive guest relations attitude. Ability to deal tactfully with clients, co-workers, community agencies and the general public.

Ability to work harmoniously within Healthy Families Polk, with professional and non-professional employees within and outside the organization. Ability to work well as part of a team and be able to function independently when needed. Ability to read, write, and understand the English language. Ability to provide/arrange transportation for participant as appropriate.

Knowledge of parent/child interaction, child development, adolescent development and adolescent issues, adult development, adult issues and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect. Knowledge of and familiarity with community resources and/or possess skills to identify and utilize such resources. Ability to satisfactorily implement family support plans. Demonstrates beginning ability to apply basic counseling skills. Shows continuing motivation/initiative to learn and apply new skills.

Ability to recognize a need for professional intervention and make appropriate/effective referrals.

May be required to lift, move, and/or maneuver equipment and supplies not to exceed forty-five (45) pounds. Must possess sight/hearing senses. May be exposed to safety hazards, contaminations, and infectious diseases including HIV and Hepatitis virus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency…