FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Job Level: Individual Contributor
• Date Revised: 7/17/2025
• Employment Status: Full-time Regular
• Hiring Manager Job Title: COO
• Primary Location: Chico, CA
• Reports To: Program Supervisor
• Position Type: On-site

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a program specialist-level class responsible for providing direct client, program, and support services to assigned families within both the Esplanade House and the First 5 Family Resource Center frameworks. This is a full time position; the chosen candidate will be scheduled to work 5 days week for approximately 8 hours each day, depending on assignments. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. The individual holding this position may need to travel locally to fulfill work-related responsibilities, including but not limited to center visits, community events, and training activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. Occasional driving to attend meetings. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently
Work is performed in office, community, and community shelter environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with clients, the general public, and other staff. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of:

• Child Development.
• Children’s resources and referrals.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to family services and government programs.
• Non-physical discipline techniques and implementation.
• General needs of transient persons.
• Community organizations and resources.
• Motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction approaches.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively both orally and in writing to all levels of people, including possessing good reading and English speaking skills, fluency and understandability.
• Able to maintain data privacy, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Develop, prepare, and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Maintain and observe all safety precautions and practices.
• Able to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage own work. Able to work unsupervised, make decisions and solve routine problems independently, effectively and creatively.

Training & Experience:

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• B.A. degree in Social Work, Human Services, Child Development, or a related field; AND
• A minimum of two (2) years of case management experience in a related area.
• OR any combination of training and experience which would satisfy the minimum required qualifications.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 60 days of being hired, a First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Pass a post-offer / pre-employment TB clearance renewable annually.
• Pass a post job-offer / pre-employment background check and Live Scan clearance, especially for work with children.

The Family Support Specialist is expected to:

• Provide comprehensive case management services, including client assessment and the development and implementation of care plans focused on positive parenting, self-sufficiency, and family well-being.
• Support recruitment and enrollment of children and families, including children with disabilities, children and families experiencing homelessness, and other priority populations identified by the program in their community assessment and in the Performance Standards.
• Document and track child and parent information in the program’s data management system, including but not limited to case notes, health data, enrollment data, and program information data to support family and program goals. Maintain policies, guidelines, and expectations to protect the confidentiality and privacy of families’ data.
• Evaluate client progress in achieving parent-child bonding and developmental milestones.
• Coordinate and support the implementation of parenting workshops, peer support groups, early learning and literacy classes, and early relational health playgroups as required by the Family Resource Center Operating Plan.
• Perform developmental screenings of children ages 6 months to 5 years (e.g., ASQ-3, ASQ-SE2) and refer to appropriate services.
• Attend regular program-related meetings, team-building activities, and required trainings coordinated by Commission staff to expand skills and capacities.
• Utilize motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction approaches in client interactions.
• Participate in community outreach events to promote the Family Resource Center network, including timely data entry for such events.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers assigned to the Family Resource Center comply with confidentiality requirements and their obligations as mandated reporters.
• Accept and perform other duties as assigned.