Family Support Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Hopewell-Prince George Healthy Families Program Supervisor, conducts systematic, standardized screenings and assessments with parents prenatally or immediately following birth and refers families in need of extra supportive services to appropriate programs or agencies. Markets the program in the community via resource fairs, program contacts, and other sources, and schedule/ conduct home visits families. Conducts assessments/screenings with prenatal and post-birth families. Determines families in need of extra supportive services, and meets with supervisor to review family status and plan appropriate service interventions, i.e. Hopewell-Prince George Healthy Families and/or other community resources. Makes appropriate referrals to community resources if needed, submitting any written materials to supervisor for approval prior to mailing. Serves as client advocate as required. Demonstrates ability to successfully link client families with community resources. Accurately completes all paperwork required in a timely manner and submits to supervisor as required. Conducts community education activities and presentations as assigned. Accurately enters information into PIMS in a timely manner. Organizes and manages all resource information such as flyers, pamphlets, booklets, etc. Establishes and maintains relationships with referring agencies in the community. Establishes and maintains relationships with other community agencies to whom we may refer clients for services. Attends regular staff meetings, team meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as required. Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor. Applies working knowledge of established family dynamic principles, including but not limited to parent-child interaction, child development and the dynamics of child abuse/neglect to help client improve parenting skills, reduce family stress, and meet needs of parents. Helps parents learn problem solving and coping skills and refers them to appropriate community agencies as is appropriate. Helps parents to incorporate effective disciplinary techniques in the family structure. Performs case management and development of individual or family service plans with goals, objectives and activities to meet individual client needs. Meets with supervisor on a weekly basis to evaluate client status. Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred. Related education, training, and experience may be substituted for formal degree. Licenses and/or Certifications: A valid Virginia driver’s permit, a workable automobile with appropriate insurance coverage. Knowledge: Knowledge of community resources. Knowledge of issues related to maternal-child health, infant mental health, and child abuse and neglect. Basic computer and word processing knowledge. Demonstrated maturity and experience in successfully working with families of varied cultural backgrounds including teenage parents, infants, cognitively limited adults, children adults with clinical diagnoses, families with histories of physical, mental, and substance abuse, and families with medically fragile children. Skills: Demonstrated skill in interviewing and communicating with clients and professionals in the community. Demonstrates accuracy and an understanding of confidentiality of client records and need for follow up on issues with other community professionals and clients. Abilities: Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Ability to plan effectively for client services. Must be able to pass a criminal and Social Services background check. Work Environment: Work is generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, family homes, light traffic), requiring regular use of motor vehicles, mechanical, and/or technical equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities. Worker maybe exposed to extreme noise, irate clients, and to potentially dangerous people or situations. Essential Physical Activities: Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, and depth perception. Typical weight handled up to 25 lbs. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Hopewell, VA