Family Support Specialist

GREAT LAKES INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC.•Siren, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Experience working with people
Experience working with children
Teachable
Outgoing
Organized
Self-starter
Good with taking direction
Knowledge of infants and child development
Knowledge of parent-child attachment
Knowledge of 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 establish trusting relationships and work effectively with mothers, fathers and extended families
Acceptance of individual differences
Belief that children need to be nurtured
Experience and willingness to work with diverse populations present among the target population
Open to reflective practices (i.e. has the capacity for introspection, communicates awareness in relation to others, recognizes value of supervision. Etc.)
Must possess valid driver’s license
Have access to reliable transportation with adequate insurance
Able to travel within the St. Croix and surrounding communities

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in early childhood preferred
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

Responsibilities

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 the supervisor deems necessary for the position.
Able to work independently, understand time management & organizational systems, and working as a team with the parallel process to support a family.
Engage in networking to remain current on the availability to 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 emphasize with the family.
Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.