Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

This is a temporary role until February 6th, 2026

Family Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY : This position provides individualized, culturally-competent and strengths-based case management to a caseload of 35-40 at-risk families enrolled in Dimock’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Assists families in identifying goals for themselves and their children and supports them in reaching those goals. Encourages parents / guardians to be frequent and active participants in the program. Works closely with classroom, content area and management staff to ensure that children and families receive high-quality, comprehensive, integrated Early Head Start / Head Start services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Required – a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field

Experience : Required –Individuals with a degree in a field other than Social Work must have at least three courses related to family functioning, support, development, systems, etc.

Knowledge / Skills :

• Ability to articulate an awareness of self, values, and ethics as they impact ones work with families and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to facilitate families' problem-solving and teach problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach, consult, educate, and utilize counseling skills, where appropriate.
• Ability to advocate for the family and support them in advocating for themselves.
• Ability to identify (with the family) options, resources, and consequences to address crisis and support families in making decisions and taking active steps to resolve current crises and be prepared to address future crises.
• Ability to apply knowledge of health, mental health, disabilities, and child development in order to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Ability to analyze community resources to family needs and identify unmet family needs.
• Professional, positive attitude when performing all duties.
• Ability to make decisions and act based on family support principles, theories, practices, and code of ethics.

Excellent oral and written communication skills - bilingual (English

I. Essential Functions / Performance Standards

JOB KNOWLEDGE - The extent to which the employee demonstrates technical and professional knowledge of job requirements and takes personal responsibility to maintain and improve that knowledge :

QUALITY - The extent to which the employee performs assignments accurately and completely, and consistently meets the job requirements with minimal supervisory oversight and follow-up :

EFFICIENCY - The extent to which the employee’s performance demonstrates an effective organization of assignments, meets expectations of volume and takes initiative to improve the systems that are responsible for the delivery of care and services.

HUMAN RELATIONS / COMMUNICATIONS - The extent, to which the employee contributes to a positive work environment, communicates effectively and courteously and conducts him / herself in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the Dimock Center :

MATURITY / RESPONSIBILITY - The extent to which the employee demonstrates the personal and behavioral characteristics of a mature adult and assumes responsibility for his / her job :

ATTENDANCE : The extent to which the employee adheres to the center’s time and attendance policies and demonstrates flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department.

Salary Range : The approved range is $26.24 to $31.36 per hour.

The incumbent of this position is expected to perform this job in a manner consistent with the values, mission and philosophy of The Dimock Center.