Child and Family Specialist: Social Work Research & Public Services - UTK

University of Tennessee•Johnson City, TN

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Child and Family Specialist works directly with families to conduct comprehensive assessment of parenting needs and develop strategies to strengthen parenting skills that promote stability, child safety and well-being. Services will be delivered through coordinated case management, individualized coaching and stabilization services (virtual and in-person, including in the family's home), peer support circles, family advisory groups, family events, and connection to community-based partner referrals. (e.g. childcare, early learning, school-based support, and out-of-school enrichment). This position supports the Families First Community Grant's TANF purpose by helping families achieve stability and strengthen family relationships so children can remain safe at home. The Child and Family Specialist will work alongside a team of Family Coaches to provide services to families in the multi-county Northeast Region (Washington, Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan, Carter, and Johnson Counties). This position will travel throughout the 6 county area in Northeast Tennessee to provide coverage as needed and required. The schedule is flexible to meet staff needs, with an average of 40 hours a week. Candidate must be willing and able to flex schedule as needed. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. This position is anticipated to have a start date of August 1st, 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
Must have valid driver’s license, automobile at their disposal, and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage.
Three years of experience in direct service and/or management working with children (birth - twelve), their families or programs that serve them
Analytical Skills
Writing Skills
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills
Knowledgeable about adverse childhood experiences and trauma
Knowledgeable about and skilled in best practice with families
Demonstrated strong communication skills
Ability to design and facilitate training/learning activities
Ability to plan and execute community outreach and awareness activities
Ability to prioritize tasks, follow through to complete and document work with families in a timely and accurate manner
Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and under tight deadlines
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a related field
Two years of experience in direct service and/or management working with children (birth - twelve), their families or programs that serve them

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive, mutual assessment of families’ strengths and protective and risk factors
Build an actionable, goal-driven plan with program participants
Provide information, intervention, crisis stabilization, advocacy, training, and resource linkage services based on assessment and participant action plans aimed at strengthening families to enhance child and family stability, safety, and well-being
Coach and mentor families in problem solving, decision making, and action planning designed to address developmental needs of children and, if needed, facilitate access to childcare.
Facilitate family events and peer support circles, within 6 county coverage area
Connect children and youth to childcare, learning and out-of-school enrichment activities in their communities
Develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies to assist participants with barriers to childcare, learning, and enrichment
Conduct monthly outreach activities within assigned counties to raise awareness of TFT services and to identify, engage, and sustain collaborative partnerships
Participate in coalitions, community meetings, trainings, job/resource fairs, and collaborative forums—including childcare, family-serving systems, and other relevant community-based activities
Develop, maintain, and regularly update a comprehensive directory of community-based services that support children and youth across key domains
Maintain participant confidentiality
Documentation of participant progress
Ensure accurate documentation, data entry, and compliance with reporting requirements
Fiscal tasks including but not limited to One-Card reconciliation and uploading and documenting receipts, monthly gift card reconciliation, and travel reports
Other duties as assigned