Family Support Specialist

University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin (TN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee at Martin is seeking a Family Support Specialist to deliver services under the Healthy Families America model. This 100% position is grant-funded and will be based at UT Martin with outreach to Benton, Carroll, Dyer, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton, and Weakley Counties.

You will manage a caseload of about 15 families, coordinate home-based activities, and help families develop plans aligned with program goals while encouraging parent involvement and connecting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, human services, early childhood education or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience with children and families, or equivalent education/experience.
• Knowledge of infant, child development and maternal-infant health.
• Understanding of dynamics of child abuse, neglect and family violence.
• Experience with diverse populations and willingness to engage varied communities.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an average caseload of 15 families.
• Coordinate home-based activities using evidence-based curricula.
• Develop plans for each child and family aligned with program goals and resources.
• Encourage parent involvement and participation per program goals.
• Use observation of family dynamics to identify protective and risk factors and provide support.
• Conduct developmental screenings and determine family needs.
• Make referrals to community resources and connect families as needed.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and required conferences.
• Complete paperwork timely and accurately.
• Complete HFA Core training and ongoing development, obtaining Infant Mental Health Endorsement.

Skills

Infant development

Child development

Maternal-infant health

Observation skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health, human services, early childhood education or related field

Job description

Job Description

If you enjoy working in a supportive work environment serving children and families, the position of Family Support Specialist (FSS) could be a great fit for you. An FSS is responsible for delivering services using the Healthy Families America (HFA) model for service delivery. Services are provided in Benton, Carroll, Dyer, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton, and Weakley Counties. This regular (100%) position is grant-funded, and continuation of employment is dependent upon grant funding. The official workstation is located at UT Martin.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an average caseload of 15 families.
• Coordinate home-based activities using evidence-based curricula.
• Work with families and supervisors toward developing a plan for each child and family, taking into consideration the program goals, the individual needs of the family members and community resources.
• Encourage and support parent involvement and participation according to program goals.
• Demonstrate advanced observation skills and use observation of family dynamics to identify protective factors, strengths, risk factors, and implement appropriate support.
• Conduct developmental screenings and other assessments as needed to determine child and family needs.
• Make referrals and connect families to needed resources in the community.
• Attend regular staff meetings, in-service training, and other meetings and conferences as required.
• Consistently and accurately complete all paperwork as required by the agency in a timely manner.
• Complete HFA Core training, ongoing training as requested and obtain and maintain Infant Mental Health Endorsement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, human services, early childhood education or other fields related to working with children and families.
• One to two years of experience working with or providing services to children and families; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of infant, child development, maternal-infant health.
• Working knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and neglect and family violence.
• Experience and willingness to work with the culturally diverse populations that are present among the program’s target population of children and families.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of home visitation experience
• Working knowledge of Healthy Families America home visitation model

Application Deadline: Applicant review will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been identified.

Minimum hiring rate $42,671.25 annually (Market Range 7) - Salary is commensurate with education and experience.