Family Support Specialist

Bend OR

Description

Visit the HDESD website to apply: www.hdesd.org 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. Full job description and qualifications available on the High Desert ESD website, www.hdesd.org.