Family Support Specialist

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties

Job Summary

Provides child development services, social services, health services and parent involvement services to families including home visits, advocacy and crisis intervention in accordance with federal, state and program guidelines. Plans and implements a safe and developmentally appropriate experience for infants and toddlers and home visits that meets the needs of each family in accordance with federal and program guidelines.

Position Specific Duties

• Provides child development, parent education and family support on home visits to families of infants and toddlers and expectant mothers.

• Plans for and facilitates parent-child interaction groups and parent support groups.

• Provides developmentally appropriate curriculum and a caring, nurturing, and soothing environment for infants and toddlers.

• Develops in partnership with parents an individual development plan for each child.

• Develops a family partnership agreement with each family and supports family in achieving goals.

• Provides social services to families including advocacy, emergency assistance and referrals to the community.

• Promotes and supports parent/caregiver-child attachments.

• Assists families in meeting their health needs including identifying and establishing a medical home and the provision of well child care.

• Works with Head Start Disabilities Manager and MESD staff to provide developmentally appropriate Early Intervention Services.

• Maintains and updates family files and electronic records.

General Duties

• Reports suspected child abuse in accordance with Oregon Statute and Head Start procedures.

• Attends training sessions and participates in training opportunities.

• Supports and encourages parent involvement.

• Works as a team with community agencies and other staff in providing services to children and families.

• Maintains the confidentiality of highly sensitive information.

• Interacts with children, families and community members in a supportive and professional manner.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with course work or training in infant and toddler development

• Two years of experience in an early childhood or family support program

• Demonstrated experience providing parent education to families

• Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College's community, students and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity

• Current driver's license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours for transportation to off-campus sites

Desired Qualifications

• Bilingual skills with oral and written fluency in English and another language that meets program needs

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

• One year of full time experience providing child development and family support services to families with infants and toddlers

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Additional Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment

• Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date:

• TB screening

• Health appraisal

Food handler's card, must be obtained within 30 days of hire date

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Introduction to Child Health and Safety training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Safe Sleep training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Prevention is better than Treatment training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of child development and/or early childhood best practices

• Knowledge of adult learning principles, including communicating and motivating adults

• Knowledge of family dynamics and linking families with resources

• Knowledge of child health, safety, and nutrition principles

• Knowledge of or ability to establish working relationships with staff

• High performance through creativity, positive spirit, and multi-tasking

• Skills in motivating, training and developing a high performing staff

• Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders

• High personal integrity and sound professional ethics

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Computer proficiency (in Microsoft Windows environment preferably)

Working Conditions and Important Information

Working Conditions

Works assigned schedule, and exhibits regular and predictable attendance. As necessary to meet workload demands, works outside of typical schedule, including evening/weekend hours. Work may require travel to off-campus locations. Work is sometimes performed in an emotional and stressful environment.

Additional Information

If you require technical support with your account or application, please call 855-524-5627.

The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.

Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the employment process.

MHCC is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.

Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

Mt. Hood Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elsy Cortez at Elsy.cortez@mhcc.edu