Family Support Specialist

$20.00 – $23.00 hourly

Full-time, Regular Status, FLSA Non-exempt

Apply by 5 p.m. October 21, 2020

ABOUT CHILDHAVEN

Mission: We partner with parents and community to strengthen families, prevent childhood trauma and its damaging effects, and prepare children for a lifetime of well-being.

Vision: All children are safe and healthy; flourishing physically, socially, emotionally, and educationally; well-nurtured by family and community.

Values and Commitment: Childhaven serves families from diverse communities and are committed to racial equity in our programs and services. We also value diversity and inclusion in our workforces and we are committed to recruiting candidates.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Family Support Specialist (FSS) reports to the Healthy Start Program Supervisor and operates out of our RAYS Renton Branch.  The FSS role is an essential component of the Parents as Teacher (PAT) affiliate model.  The Family Support Specialist advances Childhaven’s mission, vision, values and goals by providing culturally relevant home-based parenting education and support to caregivers who are parenting children under six years old.  To be successful in this role you must be able to establish relationships with at-risk youth and families; and manage the needs of an assigned caseload. 

Childhaven’s values are Teamwork, Excellence, Equity, Dedication, Reflection, and Respect.  If you are inspired by these values and aspire to live them out at work, then join us. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Screen new referrals to ensure the program is appropriate for their needs, provide an initial needs assessment, complete onboarding paperwork, and provide timely follow-up with referring agencies.
• Provide culturally competent home visits to each participant 2 times per month using the Parents as Teachers personal visit plans and other supplemental materials.
• Provide participant referrals and linkage to a wide variety of community resources to support participant’s needs and independence goals.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of monthly group meetings.

• Conduct annual developmental progress assessments that include social-emotional, vision, hearing and health issues.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date participant records and complete agency and program statistical and evaluation information.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff at public health, hospitals, schools and other community service providers.

• Actively participate in reflective supervision meetings, team meetings and monthly all staff meetings.
• Participate in professional development opportunities regarding anti-racism, oppression, and cultural competency and regularly assess own performance and program for related improvements.
• Participate in ongoing job related professional development, in-service trainings and continuing education.
• Comply with all Childhaven policies and procedures.
• Comply with the agency's policy and procedure regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; coursework in early childhood development, parent childhood interactions or family support principles a plus.
• At least one year of experience working in a childcare or pre-school setting.
• Previous experience working with refugee and/or immigrant families in a volunteer or professional capacity.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) highly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Able to maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy during stressful situations.
• Knowledge of family support principles, parent-child interaction and child development.
• Previous home visiting experience a plus.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, safe driving record and auto liability insurance.

We strive to make Childhaven a great place to work by living our values: Teamwork, Equity,

Excellence, Dedication, Respect, and Reflection. Here’s a little bit about what we offer our staff:

• We believe in fully transparent hiring process.
• We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance. Expanded benefits include a flexible spending account, healthcare reimbursement account, a 403(b) savings program with employer A full listing of benefits is available.
• Opportunities to attend a wide variety of trainings on clinical and education topics, advocacy and more.
• We’re dedicated to serving the full range of cultural diversity in our community, and to providing families with care that’s relevant to them and their As a member of Childhaven staff, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to community engagement strategies and our anti-racism council, which makes ongoing recommendations to ensure that our programs and protocols are doing their part to dismantle systemic racism.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply by 5 p.m. Wednesday 21 October 2020.  Please complete the application and attach a resume and cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job.   

Applications without the resume and cover letter attached may not be considered.

Childhaven is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  We value Diversity and practice Equity and Inclusion. 

If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, please let us know.