Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker -

This is a highly responsible paraprofessional position working to strengthen families and help parents to be the best parents they can be. Families are identified by assessment to be in need of services. Families volunteer for these services. This position is supervised by the Social Services Counselor SES, is designated as a sensitive position per the CHD protocols, and is responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of data sets under his/her control.

Frequent travel is required. Responsible for initiating and maintaining regular, consistent long-term support to families identified in need based upon the families' results on the Healthy Families Florida Assessment Tool and the families' voluntary participation in the Healthy Families program. Contact with families occurs primarily in the home of the families, sometimes in high risk areas, and is: family centered, strength-based, and directed at establishing a trusting relationship.

The FSW is responsible for assisting in strengthening the parent-child relationship, assisting parents in increasing successful problem-solving and advocacy roles for themselves and their children, assisting the parents in improving their skills to optimize the home environment, providing information on child development, the meaning and goal of discipline, medical needs of the children (including but not limited to well child care and immunizations), and assuring that the families are aware of and are referred to needed services.

This is evidenced by the participant and program outcomes and process measures in the contract between the Franklin County Health Department, Healthy Families Franklin-Wakulla-Gulf, Healthy Families Florida, and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. Discusses and distributes family planning (birth control) information to clients, including teenagers and unmarried persons. Assists with parent groups, including set-up, onsite childcare, and clean-up.

Models age appropriate play and activities in homes, including floor play and tummy time. This position will also work with DOH staff on strategic planning and quality improvement projects related to the Healthy Families program. Responsible for administering the evidence-based Healthy Families Florida Assessment Tool (HFFAT) within the time specified by the Healthy Families program policy and contract and for assisting the family in establishing goals and a plan or accomplishment of the goals while addressing the progress toward those goals on an ongoing basis.

Responsible for the administration of tools and screenings (ex: ASQ3, ASQ-SE2, EPDS, HFPI) at intervals as outlined in the Healthy Families FWG program policy and contract and providing ongoing assessment of the home for safety required by the Healthy Families Florida Contract. Performs other related duties as directed by the Supervisor, Senior Human Services Program Specialist, and the CHD Director

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of community resources; ability to relate to families from a strength-based model, even in a chaotic environment; ability to establish personal and programmatic boundaries; ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrates motivation; believes in and is comfortable with advocating for nurturing non-violent discipline of children; excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle when county vehicle is not available (mileage reimbursed at State of Florida reimbursement rate).

Employee must successfully complete all Healthy Families Staff Orientation Trainings, Core Trainings, HFFAT certification training, Three-, Six-, and Twelve-Month Trainings, annual trainings, and specialized trainings per Healthy Families Florida policies, many of which are located offsite and some which require overnight stays up to one week each. Infant mental health endorsement preferred.

Qualifications:

Valid Class E Florida Driver's License required At a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent (required by Healthy Families Florida – grant contract) Must be willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work.