Family Support Specialist

About the role

ParentLink offers parenting information and support to all Missourians using a variety of delivery methods to ensure universal access. Since 1989, ParentLink has served tens of thousands of Missouri families as well as service providers working with them.

Responsibilities

• Answer phone calls, texts, and email coming into the WarmLine.
• Follow up with any missed calls or calls received outside of operating hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Assist parents and caregivers in enrolling in and completing the Parenting Foundations online course.
• Provide ongoing support and information as needed for each course participant.
• Gather and record pre/post assessment and satisfaction survey data.
• Offer certificates of completion.
• Complete data intake and entry for each inquiry in a timely manner.
• Following protocol, professional standards, and best practices, interact with each parent, caregiver, and professional to:
  • Identify needs/concerns in obtaining a resource.
  • Assist individuals in overcoming barriers by providing ongoing problem-solving support, quality information, access to case management resources, advocacy, and connection to services.
• Stay apprised of research on best practices in social determinants of health, positive parenting, family dynamics, child development, trauma, and kinship care through ongoing training.
• Actively engage with community partners to identify families in need of services as well as to identify resources that will assist families.
• Work with professionals across the state to coordinate services for families.
• Conduct follow-up on cases in targeted communities to learn if a family was able to connect to resources given.
• Identify gaps in services and barriers to receiving services, documenting in an online system.
• Maintain data on community resources:
  • Identify barriers to services.
  • Identify gaps in services.
  • Update community resource information.
• Continually review and make recommendations to policies and procedures as relates to best practices.
• Offer referrals to maternal and child health services through calls on the TEL-LINK line.
• Participate in virtual and in-person meetings and events as requested.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, child development and family studies, social work, education, health administration, or related field.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong skills in problem-solving and navigating systems.
• Strong technology skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Growth mindset with flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Proficient in computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel as well as social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.
• Ability to learn new computer programs.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Applies education and experience to execution of job duties and furtherance of ParentLink’s mission.
• Contributes to a strong, positive work culture.

Pay

Salary Range: $19.25 - $25.00 hourly

Schedule

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

For additional information on University benefits, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.