SCHS - Family Support Specialist (Closes 01-22-10, or Untill Filled)

TITLE: Family Support Specialist
SALARY: Level V
SUPERVISED BY: Family Services Coordinator
STAFF SUPERVISED: None
HOURS WORKED: 10-40 hours/week; seasonal

POSITION PURPOSE: Plan, develop, and administer the family support and parent education component of the Family Service Center by providing on-site support and training to Head Start staff and parents. The emphasis is on literacy, employability, family wellness, and identification of community resources. Work with community agencies, insuring that families receive needed services.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as a resource to Head Start families and staff regarding: (20%)
- Family Wellness-positive parenting education, promoting healthy families and relationships, family violence prevention, and promoting mental and chemical health.
- Family Literacy-adult education, children’s emergent literacy, employability, facilitate Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and other pertinent grant projects.
Consult with individual family members upon referral and maintain client records. (25%)
Coordinate and facilitate training sessions for families and staff on topics related to the above issues. (20%)
Identify appropriate community resources and assist families in accessing identified resources. (5%)
Communicate with appropriate Head Start staff regarding client participation. (5%)
Facilitate, or assist in facilitating Training and Practicum (TAP) program, and supervise TAP assistants as assigned. (10%)
Serve as a Head Start linkage in community activities promoting literacy, employability and healthy families. (10%)
Develop culturally appropriate outreach materials to encourage participation by Head Start families who encounter barriers in the areas of literacy, employability, positive parenting, healthy families, chemical and/or mental health, or other identified issues. (5%)
Meet regularly with supervisor, Family Advocates and other Family Service Center Specialists to assure coordination of services. (Ongoing)
Maintain a positive attitude regarding the Head Start program and philosophy. (Ongoing)
Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity. (Ongoing)

*Perform other jobs as designated by your supervisor, Project Director or Agency Director. Employee may occasionally be asked to work alternate hours and days.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

BA/BS Degree Social Service/Health/Education related field
Two years demonstrated work experience in family support programs, adult education, or employment; knowledge of community resources and human services
Demonstrated experience and skill providing staff training; proven ability to work closely with families of diverse cultural, racial and ethnic background
Strong organizational and communications skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Geographic Area: Coos and Curry Counties
Primary Site: Coos Bay
Physically able to perform essential job responsibilities.
May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
Regular attendance is a requirement

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated by the supervisor based on the input from appropriate staff relative to: attitude, skills and knowledge. All employees’ formal evaluation will be conducted in the winter.

New Employee or New Position (first two years of either) performance goals will be set in the fall and reviewed/updated before the end of the program year.

OTHER:

A current Oregon Driver’s License is required
a good driving record is necessary
Proof of automobile liability insurance
Reliable transportation
Must be drug-free
Must be able to pass mandated Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division Criminal History Registry Background Check
First Aid/CPR certification
Health Appraisal
Able to drive long distances
Ability to sit at meetings for as long as four hours at a time
Ability to work in excess of eight hours per day and during evenings as required

SIGNATURES & DATES - The following signatures are required to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Job Description; that essential functions are aligned with organization goals and objectives; to validate that it is clear, concise and supports compliance with legal considerations; and employee understanding of the job requirements. NOTE: Because jobs change, management reserves the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

NOTE: The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position.