Family & Community Services: Family Development Specialist, Parenting Communications East
Job Title: Family Development Specialist
Position Summary:
The Family Development Specialist works directly with families to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen family relationships, and enhance child and family well-being. This role involves conducting assessments, developing individualized family plans, and connecting families with resources to address their unique needs. The Specialist collaborates with community partners and program staff to provide holistic support tailored to the diverse challenges families face.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Family Engagement and Assessment
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Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to identify family strengths, needs, and goals.
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Build trusting relationships with families, promoting open communication and engagement.
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Develop and implement individualized family development plans with measurable outcomes.
Support and Advocacy
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Provide case management services to address housing, education, employment, childcare, and healthcare needs.
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Advocate for families by coordinating with community agencies and service providers.
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Guide families in developing skills for financial literacy, parenting, and conflict resolution.
Parenting and Child Development Support
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Educate parents on child development milestones, effective parenting strategies, and creating nurturing home environments.
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Offer resources and referrals for early childhood education, healthcare, and developmental screenings.
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Support families in building strong parent-child relationships and fostering school readiness.
Community Collaboration
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Collaborate with community partners, schools, and service organizations to build a network of support for families.
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Represent the program at community events, meetings, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and recruit participants.
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Stay informed about available community resources and program updates.
Administrative Responsibilities
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, records, and reports in compliance with program guidelines.
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Track family progress and prepare data for program evaluations and grant reporting.
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Assist with the development and implementation of program policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in social work, family studies, education, or a related field, Associate’s degree in social work, family studies, education, or a related field, (preferred) High School degree with a minimum of 2 years of experience working with families in a case management or advocacy role.
Skills and Competencies:
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse families effectively.
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Knowledge of family dynamics, child development, and community resources.
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Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple cases.
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Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive or challenging family situations.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software.
Additional Requirements:
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Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
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School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.
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Reliable means of transportation for home visits and community outreach.
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Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet family needs.
Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Sitting for extended period of time
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Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds
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Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
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Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
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Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
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Hearing clearly
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Adequate vision to perform duties
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.
Reports To: Site Director
Department: FACES
Position Schedule: Year-round, 260-day, Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends
Salary: $32,000.00 (Non negotiable)
Benefits: FACES 260 Classified Benefits
To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.
Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.