Family Support Specialist
Family Support & Resource Specialist –
Summary
The Family Support & Resource Specialist coordinates community referrals, completes eligibility assessments, and provides ongoing home‑visiting services to families with young children. The role focuses on building trusting relationships, supporting healthy parent‑child interactions, promoting child development, and connecting families to needed resources. This position follows Healthy Families Indiana/America standards and uses a trauma‑informed, strength‑based approach.
Key Responsibilities
Screening & Assessment
- Process referrals from hospitals, WIC, medical providers, and self‑referrals.
- Conduct outreach to families who screen positive.
- Complete eligibility assessments (FROG Scale, IPV questionnaire, EPDS) within required timelines.
- Collect income verification and document assessments within 48 hours.
- Provide referrals for families who decline or are ineligible for services.
- Represent the program at community meetings and support outreach efforts.
Home Visiting & Family Support
- Enroll eligible families prenatally or within 3 months of birth.
- Provide weekly/bi‑weekly/monthly home visits lasting at least one hour.
- Support families in setting and achieving goals.
- Promote positive parent‑child interaction, attachment, and child development.
- Administer developmental tools (ASQ‑3, ASQ:SE2, HFPI, CCI, EPDS).
- Make referrals for developmental, mental health, or safety concerns.
- Assist families with medical home linkage, immunizations, and well‑child visits.
- Maintain timely documentation and follow confidentiality requirements.
- Participate in supervision, training, and quality assurance activities.
Compliance & Safety
- Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Follow all HFI/HFA standards and program procedures.
- Support program events and fundraising activities.
Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for individual differences
- Knowledge of infant/child development and nurturing parenting practices
- Ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries
- Trauma‑informed and reflective practice skills
- Strong organization and documentation abilities
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to climb stairs, tolerate odors, and lift up to 25–50 lbs.
- Comfortable entering varied home environments.
- Flexible schedule with some evenings/weekends.
- Travel within the county to client homes.
Qualifications
Required:
- Experience working with children ages 0–3 and their families
- Willingness to complete 80 hours of Healthy Families Core Training
- Ability to build trusting relationships and work with diverse populations
- Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Early Childhood, or related field
- Additional language skills
- Infant Mental Health Endorsement