Govt. Education - Family Services Specialist (St. Ignace)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Services Specialist, under the direction of the Early Childhood Programs Manager, is responsible for carrying out all regulatory requirements pertaining to Social Services, Parent Involvement, Family and Community Partnerships, and assisting families in securing all available services designed to best meet their family's needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Implements all Federal, State, and Tribal regulations pertaining to family services.
• Develops and monitors Family Partnership Agreements including Family Mapping to identify strengths and resources needed.
• Identifies Community Resources, Tribal and non-tribal, providing services to children and families and assisting families in obtaining these services.
• Maintains a high level of collaboration with community agencies, Tribal and non-tribal.
• Follows up with families on identified needs to determine resources are obtained, needs are met, and referrals to proper agencies are being honored.
• Documents and tracks all services provided to families.
• Develops and facilitates parent committees at each center.
• Develops and implements parent education activities including health, safety, literacy, education, school readiness, disabilities, nutrition, and mental health.
• Develops and implements parent/child activities including health, safety, literacy, education, school readiness, disabilities, nutrition, mental health, celebrations, potlucks, etc.
• Performs a minimum of two-Family Service home visits with each assigned family per year.
• Collects documents for all donations and volunteer time.
• Develops publications, a monthly family newsletter, and a monthly father-focused newsletter.
• Maintains community and Tribal resource directories.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Evacuates children during an emergency and monthly drills.
• Supports classroom staff and other program staff in assisting families.
• Assists manager with completion of annual self-assessment and community assessment.
• Evaluates plans, policies, and procedures and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Trains co-workers in the area of family and community partnerships.
• Performs family service home visits as needed.
• Assists families to obtain transportation to and from program functions and accessing community resources.
• Tracks truancy and maintains documentation and family contact to ensure children attend school.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position heavy with the lifting of 100 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision and driving; frequent standing, sitting, carrying/lifting/pushing/pulling, reaching, driving, typing; and occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, crawling, handling, and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold, wet/humidity, and noise. Potential hazards include constant exposure to electric shock, computer use and frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, chemicals insecticides/pesticides, infectious exposure, client contact, and equipment. Must obtain an annual TB Test. Must be in good physical health as determined by a physician.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Family Services, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or Criminal Justice required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: One year of experience working with families is preferred.

Certification/License: Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within one year of hire. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Federal, State, and Tribal regulations as it relates to Family and Community Services preferred. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, principles of child health, safety, and education is required. Knowledge of Tribal and non-Tribal community resources is required. Knowledge of Native American families and understanding of their needs is preferred. Knowledge of adult learning concepts is required. Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software. Must have working knowledge and be able to use office machines such as calculator, copier, fax, printer, and computer. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings. Must be creative in developing parent education activities and parent/child activities. Must have strong partnership/collaboration skills with other agencies and service providers. Must be able to facilitate meetings and give oral presentations. Must be able to assist families through crisis situations. Must be able to work under pressure and handle difficult situations. Must be able to work flexible shifts. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.