Family Support Specialist

Washington, DC | Hybrid | $25.96 - $26.92 per hour| Washington Post Top Workplace (8x Winner) Community of Hope is seeking a Family Support Specialist to provide direct support and education to families through home visits, resource coordination, and advocacy. In this role, you will help build skills, connect with community resources, and create safe, nurturing environments for the entire family. This position is located at our Conway Health and Resource Center located in SW, Washington, DC. Our Approach and Values We celebrate people’s strengths and acknowledge the impact of trauma on people’s lives. We embrace diversity, welcome all voices, and treat everyone with respect and compassion. We lead and advocate for changes to make systems more equitable. We strive for excellence and value integrity in all that we do. What You’ll Do Maintain a caseload of 15-25 families enrolled in the Healthy Families Home Visiting program. Review initial assessment and intake utilizing the Parent Survey within 24 hours of receipt and make contact with potential participants within 48 hours. Develop HFA Service Plans to address risks identified in the Parent Survey within one month of the participating family’s enrollment in home visiting, which are updated at least monthly in collaboration with the HFA Program Manager. Document CHEERS observations (Cues, Holding, Expression, Empathy, Rhythm/Reciprocity, and Smiles) following each visit where the target child or children are present. Coordinate medical care for caregiver in the prenatal and post‑partum period, identify barriers to care and problem‑solve to address them. Obtain immunization and well‑child visit information for all children on caseload. Ensure that both caregiver(s) and enrolled children have a primary medical care provider and medical insurance. Meet with families on caseload primarily in the home environment to provide information from evidence‑based curriculum on basic baby/toddler care, social and emotional development of the child, understanding cues, physical and brain development of the child, as well as play and stimulation. Frequency of visits are based on HFA standards. Network with COH and other community resources for housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, training, child and family services, etc., and make referrals as appropriate. Progress on referrals provided, releases of information, and follow‑ups, should be documented in the records database. Offer parents referral to Strong Start or Early Stages following ASQ screenings below the identified cut off. Make referrals to appropriate resources following depression and domestic violence screens that indicate risk. Requirements Must‑Haves High school diploma. Valid CPR & First Aid Certification. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a public and/or human services related field. Bilingual in English and Spanish/Amharic. Experience providing public health education (ex. reproductive health, smoking cessation, child development, and/or parenting) to at‑risk populations. Ability to conduct home visits. Valid driver’s license and vehicle required, as well as proof of auto insurance. Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings. Proof of required vaccinations is required. This includes, but is not limited to, flu. COH will consider requests for reasonable accommodations for anyone who cannot be vaccinated for a religious or medical reason, subject to applicable law. Nice‑to‑Haves A.A. or B.A in Human Services field (social work, early childhood education, family studies, or psychology) or equivalent professional experience. Strong interpersonal skills required, as well as cross‑cultural sensitivity. Strong organizational and scheduling skills required; ability to work independently. Why You’ll Love Working Here At COH, we prioritize the following well‑being and work‑life balance‑centered benefits: 8 x Washington Post 150 Top Workplaces winner. 8‑hour workdays with paid lunch. 3 weeks vacation (additional week after two years), 2 weeks sick leave, + 11.5 paid holidays and one personal floating holiday on an annual basis. Annual performance‑based raises, up to 5% of your annual pay. Tuition reimbursement & loan repayment (NHSC & DCHPLRP), Licensing reimbursement & CEU funding. Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance + 403(b) retirement. Leadership development, internal promotions and career growth opportunities. A culture grounded in equity, compassion, and well‑being. About Us Community of Hope is a mission‑driven, innovative, rapidly growing nonprofit, and Federally Qualified Health Center. For over 45 years, we have provided health and housing services, perinatal care coordination, and community support services to make Washington, DC more equitable. Community of Hope also strongly emphasizes maternal and child health, with midwifery practice and the only free‑standing birth center in DC. We are honored to be one of DC’s largest providers of housing and homelessness prevention services for families and individuals throughout DC. Through our Family Success Center, our WIC nutrition centers, and our various partnerships, we have reached hundreds and believe that everyone in DC deserves to be healthy, housed, and hopeful. 50,000+ medical visits 6,300+ dental visits 17,000+ emotional wellness visits 1,384 families and 220 individuals with housing/homelessness prevention services #J-18808-Ljbffr