Healthy Families, Family Support Specialist (Page County)

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

James Madison University is hiring for a full-time Family Support Specialist (FSS) for Healthy Families Page County. This program provides consistent and ongoing support to parents and caretakers to ensure children have a safe and healthy start in life. Healthy Families is part of the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS), a dynamic organization focused on building healthier and safer communities. IIHHS is housed within JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS). This position will be based at The Health Place in Stanley, VA, Page County. CHBS is dedicated to fostering a forward-thinking environment through refined policies, practices, and processes that strengthen the community and drive advancement. The college inspires individuals through education, scholarship, and service to make meaningful contributions. JMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing diverse perspectives and upholding fairness.

Requirements

• Experience working with adults, infants, and toddlers.
• Knowledge of trauma-responsive and healing strategies that create an environment of safety, empowerment, and self-efficacy.
• Knowledge of signs, symptoms, and referral process related to suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Ability to document appropriately in client records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with families, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to provide clear and accurate written reports of parent interviews.

Responsibilities

• Provide family-centered, strength-based, and culturally competent support and interventions for assigned families.
• Establish trusting relationships with families and maintain regular contact through home visiting.
• Provide family-centered, strength-based education, support, and resources during home visits, following an established goal plan.
• Participate as a member of the Healthy Families Page County team, supporting families through home visiting and the provision of education, resources, and support.
• Participate in reflective supervision with the supervisor.
• Support the team-based program model through collaboration.
• Issue initial assessments and ongoing assessment tools discussed with the family during home visits using a strength-based, family-centered approach.
• Complete developmental screenings.
• Make referrals and provide follow-through on additional interventions needed.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Parental leave
• Community service leave
• 19 paid holidays a year
• Affordable health insurance
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
• Work-life balance and integration program (Balanced Dukes)
• Tuition Waiver Program for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed