Family Support Specialist

About the Organization

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council is a non-profit organization formed by the Native American Tribes of Wisconsin. We serve all WI tribes by providing administration of grant‑funded programs either directly or with sub‑grants. Programs range from Child and Maternal services to Education to Disability and Elder benefits. Our Mission is:
To Enhance the quality of life for all Native People.

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) is responsible for initiating and maintaining regular and long‑term (up to five years) contact/support with families. This activity will occur primarily within the family’s home; each visit should last for at least one hour. The interventions should be family‑centered and strength‑based. Attendance as scheduled is an essential function for this position. The first three months of this position involve intense training.

After completion of the initial training period, travel is required to client homes to teach parenting skills, complete free assessments with the caregivers and children, and teach coping skills to decrease the risk of child abuse. A college degree is not required for this position. Experience is required working with people, children, being teachable, outgoing, organized, a self‑starter, and good with taking direction.

A company car is available for travel to client homes, as well as a work cell phone and laptop computer. This position is located in our Odanah, Wisconsin office.

• Assist in strengthening the parent‑child relationship.
• Assist parents in improving their skills to optimize the home environment.
• Collaborate with the family to improve their support system.
• Increase the family’s ability to problem‑solve and assume the role of the advocate for themselves and their children.
• Identify and refer families to contacts and appointments at other supportive agencies, including health care appointments.
• Assist the family in establishing goals and a plan for accomplishment of those goals.
• Assess the normal growth and development of the target child with the family.
• Complete documentation and data entry within 48 hours of each home visit.
• Plan for upcoming home visits each week.
• Manage complicated schedules ensuring participation in all necessary trainings including team meetings, supervision meetings, community of practice meetings, continuous quality improvement meetings, monthly events for the families, and any activities the supervisor deems necessary for the position.
• Be able to work independently, understand time management & organizational systems, and work as a team with the parallel process to support a family.
• Engage in networking to remain current on the availability of health and human services available to Native Americans.
• Assure that all services are delivered in a culturally competent manner.
• Participate on various committees outside and within the organization as deemed necessary by your direct supervisor.
• Attend all mandatory GLITC trainings and meetings.
• Attend technical conferences, seminars, workshops, and other educational events to stay current on technological advances.
• Create and maintain family group activities and events that are inclusive to the population we serve.
• Understand crisis intervention and be able to empathize with the family.
• Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.

An equivalent combination of experience and education that will provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Preferred qualifications: Associate’s degree in early childhood preferred and/or equivalent experience working in the field. Infant Mental Health Endorsement. Experience and willingness to work with a Native American Tribal organization and/or not‑for‑profit agency desirable. Individuals must possess knowledge of infants and child development, parent‑child attachment and maternal‑infant health. Experience in working with or providing services to children and families. Respect for and sensitivity to the needs and rights of others, including those with differing cultural, racial, sexual, or ethnic identities.

Ability to…