FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Description

The Beginning Years Family Support Specialist provides home visitation to families participating in the Beginning Years Program. Partnering with families with prenatal children until three years old, the home visitor works to promote child development, confident parenting and support. Job duties include, but are not limited to, assisting families in identifying informal support networks, providing referrals to community resources, providing information on prenatal health, newborn care/child development, conducting safety plans with families, and guiding families, caregivers and adoptive parents through child development curricula. S/he is responsible for implementing appropriate prevention/promotion and targeted home intervention techniques while maintaining up-to-date client records. S/he advocates for the Beginning Years Program in the community and works in collaboration with other community agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Attend all Beginning Years Program staff meetings and scheduled Beginning Years Program trainings

· Attends all staff support/supervision as scheduled with Clinical Supervisor or Program Manager and actively participates in the process

· Communicates request for SICK or PTO leave and gets approval by manager in a timely manner

· Meets productivity standards set by the program and funding sources.

· Enrolls 75% of assigned clients and serves them for a minimum of 6 months.

· 75% of weekly home visits occur at a consistent time and day

· Maintains client records according to program standards and requirements including timeliness and content

· Inputs information into database (registration, client activity, progress notes, evaluation and similar information) on the designated paperwork day of the week (mandatory)

· Maintains confidentiality of families participating in the Beginning Years Program

· Implements appropriate home intervention techniques and utilizes curriculum optimally

· Demonstrates ability to incorporate the Circle of Security content with all clients

· Submits required reports to administrative staff on a timely basis (including quarterly and monthly activity).

· Performs assigned office functions consistently, accurately, and on a timely basis

· Represents and advocates for the Beginning Years Program in the community by participating in a minimum of 3 community events per year

· Collaborates and coordinates services including presentations with other community agencies

· Serves on one community committee or consulting panel as evidenced by consistent monthly

attendance at meetings

Education and Training Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in related field required (early childhood, education, psychology, social work, infant family studies or other approved field)
• Experience can be substituted for degree. (Must receive Early Childhood Certificate within 2 years of hire)
• Obtain New Mexico Infant Mental Health Endorsement within 2 years of hire
• Circle of Security training desired
• Reliable transportation with valid New Mexico driver’s license
• CPR certified within first 90 days of employment required
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with young children and their families required with degree. Four years without a degree.
• One year experience doing home visits desired
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and physical records and correspondence required
• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook and enter information into a database required