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Family Support Specialist – Birth to Three

PENINSULA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST – BIRTH TO THREE

JOB SUMMARY:
This family resource position coordinates and serves as a liaison between families, community service resources and other district student services staff to provide educational services to children with disabilities, birth to age three, and their families.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to Early Childhood Coordinator in Student Services

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Organizes assessment, early intervention, therapeutic, social services, family involvement, health, nutrition and mental health components as appropriate.
  2. Conducts outreach to the community served by the school district to make community members and families aware of the services offered.
  3. Provides program orientation to parents and families as to their rights and responsibilities in the program; assists parents to participate in decisions concerning the content and direction of their child’s program.
  4. Facilitates the planning process that will identify the concerns of the family and the services necessary to enhance the family’s capacity to meet the developmental needs of the child. Writes Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) and coordinates provision of the services identified in the plan.
  5. Provides consultation in a wide variety of matters to assist parents in improving the home environment to benefit the child’s education.
  6. Provides support for families in crisis; coordinates efforts for consistency and routine in the lives of children.
  7. Acts as a liaison between parents and school district preschool special education staff and works to develop a spirit of community.
  8. Establishes and maintains a network with local agencies and organizations that provide social and health services to children. Performs occasional public relations activities in support of the program.
  9. Maintains accurate program records and files; produces reports as required.
  10. Assists in planning and implementing the activities to assist transition to preschool.
  11. Attends inservice training sessions and staff meetings as scheduled.
  12. Performs other duties as assigned. Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the families, to work in the field on a regular basis and to visit families in their homes.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in district buildings, out in the community and in the homes of families. Required to travel to make home visits; occasionally required to deal with angry or upset parents or children; required to adapt to a variety of home environments and family belief systems and to model appropriate and effective behavior. May experience frequent interruptions; required to shift priorities in response to program changes.

AFFILIATION: PSE – Clerical

FLSA: Covered

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in social service or social science or Associate’s degree in social service and two (2) years of related field experience. Experience as a Birth to Three Family Resource Specialist. Knowledge of IDEA Part C services.

Allowable Substitutions
Such alternatives to the above qualifications that the District may find appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Ability to effectively communicate with infants, toddlers and preschool children, family members, outside agencies, co-workers and other district staff in diverse environments.
  • Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations.
  • Ability to organize own work and work independently.
  • Ability to understand the school district and its relationship to the community.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to deal with frustrated and/or difficult people.
  • Ability to operate general office machines and a computer.
  • Ability to maintain accurate, complete records.
  • Access to personal vehicle and proof of insurance.
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds and push/pull 40 pounds.
  • Skill in creative problem solving.
  • Effective time management skills.
  • Ability to learn new skills quickly.

Desirable Qualifications
Experience working with diverse families; experience and knowledge of Pierce County early intervention resources.

Updated: 06/2012