CFSS Home Visitor

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The home visitor/ support staff will visit families to establish a trusting relationship, assess their resource needs, and provide families with the necessary support, education, and resources during times of high stress.  Families are empowered to develop and use the necessary skills taught to manage and effectively address crisis and highly stressed situations. The home visitor/support staff uses solution focused intervention with the aim of preventing child abuse and neglect.  The home visitor/support staff provides case management and is responsible for these home-based services in accordance with the quality standards and program standards of CAPSC and of the Family Resource Center, Comprehensive Family Support Services Contract, and the Kinship Contract. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum of High School Diploma, with previous relevant experience working with  families and children and young adults.  
• At least two (2) years of related experience in service delivery to families with children and young adults. 
• At least two (2) years of related experience in service delivery to families at risk of abuse or neglect. 
• Knowledge of community resources in Strafford County.
• Advanced computer literacy including:  Excel, Word, and Outlook. 
• Parents as Teachers Certification must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES    

• Promote healthy growth and development of children by assisting families in identifying and addressing any home or community barriers to children’s success in school.
• Empower families as advocates for themselves and their children, by collaborating with families and community agencies in the development of family centered and culturally diverse services.
• Use relationship-based approach with families that include empathetic understanding, genuine caring, problem solving, support, sensitive communication, and cultural awareness.
• Facilitate parents' and guardians’ participation in the development of an Individual Family Support Plan as a tool for family goal accomplishment.  Update with family on an ongoing basis.
• Support parents and guardians who are experiencing social, emotional, physical and mental health related problems that interfere with their ability to parent.
• Promote safe, nurturing environments for children by educating parents and guardians in child development, child health, safety and parenting skills.
• Lead various play groups, support groups, developmental screening days, or other FRC related events and programs to families within the community. 
• Help families learn healthy coping skills that will assist them in their everyday lives.
• Help families deal with crisis situations.
• Enhance family development by assisting parents to further their education, find employment and access community resources. 
• Act in a support role as an advocate for child and family, addressing unmet family needs.
• Provide support to families through information, education and referrals to appropriate resources.  Follow-up on referrals with parents and agency of referral when appropriate.
• Provide resource navigation within the Family Resource Center for walk-ins or received referrals. 
• Attend community networking events to talk about the FRC as well as help plan and host networking events within CAP. 
• Maintain current and accurate records, with adequate provisions for confidentiality.  Ensure all records are up-to-date.
• Attend biweekly supervision.
• Attend Home Visiting and FRC team meetings and actively participate as a member of the home visiting and FRC team.
• Continue to gain knowledge and expertise in child development and early childhood education, the principles of child health, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles; and family dynamics.
• Attend professional training conferences/workshops as directed by your supervisor.
• Any other duties assigned by your supervisor for the benefit of the program and/or agency.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, community partners, and families on a regular basis
• Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions. 
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• N/A

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS 

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.  
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Plan, assign, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff and community members. 
• Energetically engages people, issues and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.  
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done. 
• Practices honest, respectful and direct communication as well as active listening. 
• This position requires the holder to be accessible by mobile device during working hours.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING 

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening. 

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: Head Start and child care licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment.  An initial physical examination record, including a TB screening must be obtained within 60 days of hire, updated every three years and kept on file with Human Resources.  If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received.  An initial driving record check will be conducted.  License information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.   

MISSION VISION &VALUES 

Our Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships 

Our Vision: To eliminate poverty 

Our Values: Communication, Collaboration, Client-Focus, Accountability