High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Healthy Families Family Support Specialist - Bilingual Preferred

40hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 250 days per year (pro-rated for remainder of 2022-23)

One position with office in Bend to serve Crook, Deschutes & Jefferson Counties – One position with office in Redmond

Rate as established by bargaining agreement, Classified Wage Schedule, starting rate $20.61 - $25.09/hr DOE
Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Definition

The Family Support Specialist initiates and maintains regular, long-term visits to families in their homes to support and provide information to new parents. Visits occur primarily in the family’s home and last at least one hour. These visits are weekly for at least the first six months of service and are family-centered and strength-based. Home visits focus on:

• establishing a trusting relationship between Family Support Specialist and family
• assisting in strengthening parent/child attachment and relationship
• assisting parents in improving their parenting skills and providing a safe and nurturing home environment
• improving the family’s support system and their ability to problem solve

The Family Support Specialist will assume the role of advocate for the parent and child as needed. The Family Support Specialist will administer the Parent Survey assessment with each family during one of the first three visits. This assessment and other activities will help in identifying unmet needs and support referrals to other supportive agencies. The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for assisting the family in establishing goals and making a plan for the accomplishment of those goals (Family Goal Plan). Through the use of the ASQ-3 and the ASQ-SE, the Family Support Specialist will regularly assess the growth and development of the child. The Family Support Specialist will assist the parent in optimizing their child’s development through play and parent/child interaction.

Qualifications This position requires at minimum an Associates degree (Bachelors degree is preferred) in a Human Service field (i.e., social work, sociology, psychology, early childhood, family studies). Infant Mental Health endorsement preferred. Requires experience working with or providing services to children and families. Must have the ability to establish trusting relationships and be accepting of individual differences. Experience with and willingness to work with the diverse population(s) present among the program’s target population. Knowledge of infant and child development necessary. Must be open to reflective practice (i.e. has capacity for introspection communicates awareness of self in relation to others, recognizes value of supervision, etc.). Must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds. Employee must have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Collaboration and team skills required. Preference will be given to applicants bilingual in English and Spanish. Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

Classification Classified

Reports To HFHD Program Manager

Performance Responsibilities

• Regularly assess children using ASQ-3 , the ASQ-SE and other tools in order to determine developmental progress and needs
• Assess family needs through the initial Parent Survey assessment, home visits, Family Intake and Family Update as well as other tools
• Develop goals with parents and make a plan for the accomplishment of those goals (Family Goal Plan)
• Provide information on child development and parent/child attachment. Encourage and provide opportunities for positive parent/child interactions
• Assess and provide guidance related to child safety
• Track child immunizations and encourage regularly scheduled well baby check ups
• Provide resources, referrals and information to families as appropriate
• Evaluate child and family progress toward stated goals
• Participate in staff meetings and other events as required
• Attend workshops, conferences and other trainings to enhance professional development and to keep updated on new development in the field
• Maintain appropriate and required family records and participate in Medicaid Administration training on randomly selected days

Confidentiality

• Required to respect the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues, labor relations – including bargaining strategies and other program operations as appropriate

Training

• Completion of specified Healthy Families America trainings within first 3 months, 6 months and 12 months of hire
• Completion of specific trainings prior to any work with families
• Completion of multi-day curriculum training; may require out of town travel
• Completion of 4 day Intensive Service Home Visitor CORE training within 6 months of hire; may require out of town travel
• Completion of 4 day Parent Survey training within 6 months of hire; may require out of town travel
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned

Terms of Employment Salary, benefits and vacation are established by policy, funding specifications and the collective bargaining agreement.