Family Support Specialist

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

2d•$31•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as a liaison between families, schools, and community service resources to provide social services to preschool students and their families. It is for a 7.5 hours per day, 190 days per year role. The specialist will work with families eligible for the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Head Start program, and/or students with developmental handicaps (Special Education Preschool). Key responsibilities include performing home visits, recruiting and enrolling families, meeting with parents, facilitating parent involvement, providing crisis intervention, liaising with community resources, advocating for families, and disseminating information.

Requirements

Associate's degree in social service and two (2) years of related field experience required.
If the highest ranked candidate for the position does not possess either of the education requirements stated above, the District may consider employing a candidate on a conditional basis who possesses a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
The conditions placed on that candidate's continued employment are that the candidate agrees to be placed in a Professional Development Plan (PDP) upon being hired, with that PDP to include required annual attainment benchmarks to assure that that candidate will meet the education qualifications of the position within five (5) years from the date of hire, consistent with DCYF requirements.
Skill in written and oral communication.
Ability to display sensitivity to at-risk families.
Knowledge of social services delivery programs.
Knowledge of and ability to implement accepted methods of counseling and interviewing.
Knowledge of early childhood development.
Knowledge of community resources.
Skill in creative problem solving.
Skill in dealing with frustrated and/or difficult people.
Effective time management skills.
Knowledge of child development.
Skill in crisis intervention.
Ability to assess family needs for services.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, teachers, specialists, and outside agencies.
Ability to maintain and submit accurate records according to established timelines.
Knowledge of child protective laws and procedures.
Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
Must complete training in and adhere to district infection control plan.
Valid Washington state driver's license with Class 2 endorsement to travel between sites and to homes.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in social service or social science and experience with social service programs and agencies preferred.

Responsibilities

Recruits and enrolls students to maintain full enrollment for the program through a variety of mailings, flyers, community information, door-to-door visits, and referrals.
Provides an orientation for families and students as they enter the program.
Conducts family needs assessment, develops a program of services, implements services, and coordinates intervention to assist families.
Performs home visits; provides consultation and advice on issues such as behavior management, social service referrals, parenting skills, and other matters to assist parents in improving the home environment to benefit the child's education.
Acts as a liaison between parents and school; provides for and/or conducts parent meetings, parent classes, newsletters and flyers about special events; promotes communication between parents, school and social service agencies. Attends parent meetings and classes scheduled during day and evening hours.
Serves as parent advocate at multidisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, pre-meetings for individual learning plans (ILPs), individual education plans (IEPs), and in agency contacts.
Provides support for families in crisis; coordinates efforts for consistent behavior and environment for the child.
May administer assessment tests to determine appropriate student placement.
May provide health services such as review of immunization records, preparation of annual state immunization report.
May administer prescribed medications under the supervision of a nurse.
Serves a caseload of families; serves as a member of case management team; performs a variety of referral and follow-up services for families in conjunction with community resources. Provides leadership and guidance to center committee and coordinates activities for parents. May transport students and/or families in a district vehicle.
Works with parents and provides feedback and assistance to enhance the preschool program through volunteering in the classroom, producing newsletters, and other participation methods.
Establishes and maintains a network with social service agencies; provides a variety of inter-agency services. Provides follow-up on child abuse reports as per program guidelines.
Maintains program records, files, and documents according to program standards and established guidelines as mandated by Washington State, ESD, and the school district.
Compiles and distributes information on issues of concern to parents of preschool children.
Attends and/or schedules meetings with other staff; discusses families' progress and further needs. May have flexible hours to allow employee to participate in family and community activities related to the program. Attends out-of-district meetings as required by ESD.
Meets with parents to allocate assigned budget.
May record and distribute minutes of meetings; maintains records.
May assemble newsletters; may coordinate with printers.
Assists in activities to transition preschool children to kindergarten; provides coordination and scheduling of transportation. Consults with social service providers in schools to ensure continuation of needed services.
Performs public relations activities in support of the program.
May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams. Models appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information, consistent with district ethical guidelines.
Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Attends conferences and workshops to enhance professional skills.