SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission

CLASS SERIES TITLES:

Family Support Specialist I/II
Family Support Specialist I/II - Restricted

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide responsible support services to children and families in programs operated by the Children's Services Department; to act as liaison with parents regarding programs and services; and to process and maintain information and records related to program requirements, standards, and procedures. This class series is responsible for provision information and communication to program participants and community service organizations.

ALTERNATE CLASS SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
The Family Support Specialist I and Family Support Specialist II serve as an alternate class series. Incumbents may be employed in either level depending on their qualifications. Incumbents initially employed in the entry level as Family Support Specialist I may reasonably expect to be reassigned to the journey level of Family Support Specialist II upon the recommendation of the appointing authority and a passing score on qualifying examination(s). In general, it is expected that Family Support Specialist I incumbents will be trained and prepared for the examination and reassignment to Family Support Specialist II after a one-year period.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Family Support Specialist I (FSSI) is the entry/trainee level of this class series. Incumbents in this classification receive training and learn the methods, regulations, and procedures associated in the provision of family support services. Employees in this level of the series receive direct supervision and guidance within a standard framework of policies and procedures.

The Family Support Specialist II (FSSII) is the journey level of this class series. Employees at this level of the series possess knowledge of the methods, regulations, and procedures in order to provide a variety of case management services, information and resources to families as needed. Employees in this level of the series receive general to limited supervision within standard framework of policies and procedures.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Supports the program in the provision of case management services. This includes:

• maintaining regular ongoing contact with parents through home or site visits,
• following up on service plans developed by Head Start Staff,
• providing support to families and monitor their progress towards goals,
• maintaining detailed case management records of all contacts with families
• Provides families with information regarding community service agencies
• Acts as a liaison between the program, schools, parents, and community service agencies
• Refers families to appropriate service agencies, help set up appointments, remind families of appointments, and/or interpret between family and referral agencies
• Assesses a variety of information compiled to determine eligibility, compliance with health and immunization requirements and/or medical payment status
• Conducts "Family Needs Assessments" to determine specific family needs
• Plans, organizes and implements parent education and support group workshops for families
• Provides interpretation in another language at some of the educational support workshops, letters to parents, and other needed documents
• Provides interpretation at office meetings and home visits conducted by more experienced staff
• Ensures the participation of parents in the program including volunteer activities and parent support groups and meetings
• Provides transportation for children/families when necessary
• Picks up and delivers records, forms, materials, and/or pamphlets from and to a variety of locations
• Participates in a multi-disciplinary team as a contributing member
• Promotes family services and program objectives with public, education, and community organizations
• Prepares routine reports and correspondence
• Participates in training classes
• Possesses a thorough understanding of the philosophy and methods of program's family services delivery (FSSII)
• Obtains, updates and assesses individual health information for enrolled children and ensures established dental/medical requirements are met; verifies payment status (FSSII)
• Administers the health screening test; evaluates results for referral; provides parents with results and follows up with re-checks (FSSII)
• Keeps abreast of current trends in social services and emerging health care issues (FSSII)
• Performs related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
NOTE: Some of the employment standards apply only to the journey level classification of Family Support Specialist II (FSSII).

Possession of:

• A valid California Class C Driver's License
• A driving record which meets the County Office of Education's insurance requirements

Knowledge of:

• Community and service area needs
• Local community and social service agencies, public and private
• Procedures, requirements and activities of the program
• Current office methods and procedures
• Health principles and practices (FSSII)
• Health related public and private agencies (FSSII)
• Proper first aid and safety practices and procedures (FSSII)
• Cultural needs and problems of families associated with program area (FSSII)
• Social work principles and practices (FSSII)

Ability to:

• Operate standard office equipment
• Type accurately at a rate required for successful job performance
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
• Plan and organize required activities according to stated policies and objectives
• Assess family needs and refer to appropriate services
• Learn, interpret and apply program provisions and requirements
• Work closely with families of diverse cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms
• Establish and maintain records and files related to assigned functions
• Prepared detailed records of family contacts

May require:

• Bilingual and/or biliterate skills in another language other than English as designated by the County Office of Education.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Family Support Specialist I: Generally, the required knowledge and abilities will have been acquired through any combination of education and experience to two (2) years of college and at least one (1) year of experience in a social service agency.
Family Support Specialist II: Generally, the required knowledge and abilities will have been acquired through any combination of education and experience to two (2) years of college and at least two (2) years of experience in a social service agency.

Bargaining Unit: Office, Technician and Business Services (OTBS) Unit
Personnel Commission Approval: June 12, 1997
Revised: May 22, 2003 (Add Restricted Class)