Family Support Worker - Early Steps (Part-Time)

Job Classification

Family Support Worker

Job Description:

Information & Support:

Will implement local systems of family involvement within a ten county region to ensure families have access to local information, resources and peer to peer support within their communities. Organizes support groups for families to meet other families who have children with special needs.

Responsible for networking with local PT, OT, SPL and EI therapists to help form play groups for children with special needs living within our 10 county area. Will provide input and convey needs on behalf of families to recommend state policy changes that positively impact families.

Meeting with Families:

Will participate in face-to-face meetings with families to facilitate understanding of the Early Steps process as well as assisting with access to other available needed services. Position often attends with a service coordinator to the "First Contact" appointment in which the family has requested ES services and an interview is done with the family as part of creating an Individualized Family Support Plan.

Attend the "Transition Meetings" when the family is informed as to what services are available to them after their child turns three years old and Early Steps can no longer provide case management or services for them. This position provides the support of a parent who has "been there" while the case managers, evaluators and therapists are all talking with the parents about services.

Advocacy:

Will act as an advocate for families representing their interests with other agencies, and at community events and forums. Assist families with information about their rights in our program, how to navigate the school system and their rights as persons with disabilities.

Ensures the protection of the family's rights. Position is a member of the State wide Early Steps Service Implementation Work Group where she helps with policy revision.

Collaboration and Community Resource Development:

Will develop partnerships with community resources and other agencies to encourage collaboration and provide families with greater opportunities for services and resources.

Training:

Will provide specific training as required by the Dept. of Health to families, Early Steps staff, and community providers. Responsible for presenting a series called "A New Star" created by the Dept of Health State Early Steps office to present information about the difficulties encountered by families who have children with special needs and helps people to become aware of sensitivity to cultural differences, health differences, financial differences that are encountered throughout this diverse population of people.

Provide trainings to contracted service providers, who are typically Early Interventionists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapist within the 10 county area.

Expected Salary:

$17 per hour

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience working with children or families.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience; Appropriate college coursework may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

• Dept. of Health requires that the person in this position be the parent or guardian of a child with special needs who is receiving or has received services through the IDEA, Part C Program.

• Must have excellent computer skills, e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and be able to navigate the Internet. Must be able to use computerized projector equipment for giving presentations.

• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills during one-on-one and team interactions, as well as be able to present information and training materials to potentially large groups as required by the contract.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

This is a time limited position.

This position is eligible for veteran's preference. If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No