Family Support Specialist

Summary

This position provides in‑home visitation services to enrolled participants, offering linkage and referral to other services and support to enhance family functioning by building trusting relationships, teaching problem‑solving skills, and improving the family’s support system.

Location & Travel Requirements

The role serves families throughout Van Buren County, with regular travel within the county. The primary office is in Cookeville, TN. Occasional evening or weekend community event coverage may be required, and attendance at the annual Tennessee State Summit (location determined by the funding agency) is mandatory.

Compensation

Starting pay is $17.00 per hour, with opportunities for additional compensation based on relevant experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Initiate and maintain regular, long‑term (up to five years) contact and support with families, primarily through in‑home visits lasting about an hour.
• Provide family‑centered, strength‑based interventions to establish trusting relationships, strengthen parent‑child bonds, promote healthy childhood development, and enhance family well‑being.
• Partner with families, honoring diverse family structures and parenting practices.
• Administer the Family Resilience and Opportunities for Growth (FROG) Scale and screening tools such as ASQ, ASQ‑SE, depression screens, etc.
• Identify and refer families to supportive services, including health‑care resources.
• Assist families in establishing goals and implement activities outlined in the Family Service Plan to address concerns identified on the FROG scale.
• Prepare required monthly, quarterly, and annual statistical reports.
• Maintain up‑to‑date and accurate records for families on GGK curriculum, HFA data, and other required documentation.
• Participate in training per HFA guidelines, GKI, and DOH contract requirements.
• Implement GGK curriculum and HFA strategies through weekly home visits.
• Provide case management to families on the caseload.
• Attend training sessions and other mandatory meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience working with or providing services to children and their families.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships.
• Knowledge of infant and child development.
• Acceptance of individual differences and cultural humility.
• Willingness to engage in reflective capacity building (introspection, supervision awareness, etc.).
• Infant Mental Health Endorsement (preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or another behavioral health field (required).
• Two years of professional experience working directly with youth and families in child welfare, school, childcare, criminal justice, behavioral health, or related settings (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license in good standing (required).

Physical Requirements

• Standing – 20%
• Sitting – 80%
• Squatting – occasional
• Driving – occasional
• Kneeling – occasional
• Lifting – occasional
• Bending – occasional

Pay Range

$15.75 – $22.00

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Continuing education opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program